SACRAMENTS
BAPTISM
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation and welcome into the Church.
Baptism is normally available at 12 noon at :
St Teresa's on the first and second Sunday of the month,
St Mary Magdalen's on the third Sunday of the month.
Parents are expected to attend a forty minute period of preparation, which takes place in St Teresa's Parish Room on the third Sunday of the month following the 9.10am mass. Normally parents would attend the meeting in the month prior to the christening, but it can be 2 months earlier if you wish.
A parish welcome is usually held the week before Baptism; parents may wish to present their little one for a prayer of welcome into the community of Faith. This can be at any Mass and takes place just after the initial greeting of the Mass. Parents should sit in the front benches.
Further details and application forms are available from Fr Austin after any Sunday Mass.
Adults who wish to be received into the Church should speak to Fr Austin.
The coordinator of the baptismal programme is Philip Sargent, whose telephone number is 01772 742766.
Those seeking baptism for their child should in the first instance speak to Fr Austin after any Mass and complete a form; please do not make arrangements by telephone.
If Fr Austin is not celebrating Mass, then you should contact Philip Sargent.
One of the names chosen for the child must be the name of a saint. At least one godparent should be a practising Catholic; only those who are baptised may become godparents - ideally only one godfather and one godmother.
Those wishing to use the St Teresa’s Parish Centre for a buffet following the ceremony should contact the Centre Manager, Dave Counsell on 01772 743523.
If you wish to use the hall at St Mary Magdalen’s, contact Eamon Macken whose number is 01772 749527.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is the sacrament that completes our initiation into the Church.
As at Baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit to aid us on our journey of Faith.
The sacrament is available for pupils who have attained Year 9 at school and others who have not been confirmed.
Preparation takes place on four Sunday's prior to the sacrament being conferred.
Further details are available from Fr Austin.
HOLY EUCHARIST
The greatest Sacrament, when Christ is given to us under the appearance of Bread and Wine.
The sacrament is available on Sundays and certain days of the week - follow these links to see details.
For St Mary Magdalen's, click here.
For St Teresa's, click here.
Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist is done by the schools, Parish Catechists and the Parish Priest.
Parents are expected to take an active part in this preparation.
RECONCILIATON
The sacrament in which we express sorrow for our sins and receive forgiveness.
The sacrament is available on Saturdays at St Mary Magdalen's between 5.30pm and 6.00pm and at St Teresa's from 7.00pm to 7.15pm.
ANOINTING THE SICK
In this sacrament, the seriously ill are prayed for by the Church and are anointed with oil as a sign of healing; the sacrament is available at any time.
Please contact Fr Austin or, if the sick person is in hospital, contact the Catholic Chaplain.
HOLY ORDERS
This sacrament is received by Deacons, Priests and Bishops at their Ordination.
Anyone who may be interested in the life of a Deacon or Priest should, in the first instance, contact Fr Austin.
MARRIAGE
The sacrament in which a man and woman join in a permanent, exclusive and life giving relationship.
Adequate notice is requested and a course of preparation is necessary.
Please contact Fr Austin for further information.
