The seven Roman Catholic sacraments touch all stages and all important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing, and mission to a Christian’s life of faith. Thereby, there is a resemblance between the stages of your natural life and the stages of your spiritual life.
1 - BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation. It removes the effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptised into the Church.
Baptisms take place by arrangement with the Parish Priest. Application forms are available from the sacristy and on completion parents are asked to attend a preparation session in the Parish Centre. Dates of these are given in the TakeHomeNews newsletter.
2 - HOLY COMMUNION
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation. In Holy Communion we consume the Body and Blood of Christ, uniting us more closely to Him and helping us to grow in grace by living a more Christian life.
Parents/guardians of children wishing to join the 'First Holy Communion' programme at the Church of the Annunciation should speak to the Parish Priest. Applicants for this programme should be in Year Three (aged eight) and should have already received the Sacrament of Baptism.
3 - CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the final of the three Sacraments of Initiation. Individuals that receive this Sacrament are enriched with the special strength of the Holy Spirit.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is available to Catholics in Year 10 of secondary school (aged 14-15) having already received the sacraments of Baptism and the Holy Communion. Please speak to the Parish Priest to join the next programme.
RIGHT OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Catholic faith and way of life.
Weekly sessions are arranged and take place on Tuesday evenings at 8pm, lasting an hour. The course starts in the autumn, but those considering becoming Catholics can contact the Parish Priest at any time.
4 - MATRIMONEY (WEDDINGS)
Marriage, a lifelong union between a man and a woman for procreation and mutual support, is a natural institution, but it is also one of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church.
Weddings take place by arrangement with the Parish Priest. At least 6 months notice is required so that the necessary preparation and paper work can be completed.
5 - RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION)
The Sacrament of Reconcilation (Confession) offers us the forgiveness of our sins, reconciling us to God. When we sin we deprive ourselves of God’s grace. By acknowledging our sins, and repenting of them, grace is restored and we can move forward in communion with Christ.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturdays and at other points throughout the year (see the TakeHomeNews).
6 - ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered both to the dying and to those who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, for the recovery of their health and for spiritual strength.
Any parishioner wishing to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is asked to contact the Parish Priest.
7 - HOLY ORDERS
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ’s Priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. There are three levels to this Sacrament: the Episcopate, the Priesthood, and the Diaconate.
God is always calling us to our unique vocation, and for some that will be a call to the Priesthood or Religious Life. If you feel that God may be calling you, please contact the Parish Priest for an informal chat or visit the National Office for Vocation.
