The Catholic Church teaches that there are seven sacraments or rites through which God can communicate his grace to an individual. As Catholics we believe that the sacraments are channels for God’s grace - every time we take part in a sacrament, we receive more grace.
The seven sacraments are:
Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders and the Annointing of the Sick.
Please direct all sacramental enquiries via our Office Administrator Sharon on: 01702 292726
St George’s Parish will shortly begin its First Holy Communion and Reconciliation programme for 2024/25.
Usually, many of the children who enrol for the programme, do not attend Mass on a regular basis. At a child’s Baptism ceremony, parents make a promise to “train their child in the practice of the faith”. This task has many threads to it, one being taking an active part in the life of the church community (i.e. coming to Mass). If this hasn’t been the case for yourself, then this is an opportunity to revisit that promise, making it a permanent feature of your family life.
Additionally, about 85% of children who receive their First Holy Communion rarely come to Mass after the event, so their First Holy Communion becomes their last Holy Communion. My guess is that for many parents it is a ‘ticking the catholic box’ exercise which is rather a pointless exercise.
To be eligible for enrolment on this year’s programme, your child must be a baptised catholic and will need to be attending Mass weekly from 2nd/3rd March. You will be given an attendance card which will be signed by myself every week. This attendance card is really the first part of the programme and is evidence of regular attendance which is needed for when the classes gather pace in the autumn. If your child has other commitments and can’t attend, then it is not the right time for them to make their first Holy Communion, and it can be deferred for another time. If you attend anyway as part of your weekly routine, then you’ll still need a card. I like signing cards!
If you are able to meet the commitment of coming to church on a regular basis and would be interested in enrolling your child onto the First Holy Communion programme, then please contact the parish office for an appointment to see me. Would you please also provide us with a copy of your child’s baptism certificate if your child was NOT baptised at St. George’s Church..
If you are planning on having your child baptised it is a requirement that you attend a Baptism Course. This is a one-off session. Please telephone or email the office to reserve your place on 01702 292726
Baptisms usually take place on a Sunday at 12:30pm - after the 10.45am Mass.
Please remember we usually need at least six months notice to help you prepare for this precious and blessed celebration, including completing all documentation. This applies whether you are getting married here, or abroad. Please contact Fr Brett or telephone the parish office if you are planning a wedding, in our Parish. We always welcome the weddings of Parishioners and those who worship here regularly.
Interested? Why not have an informal chat with Fr Brett ... Contact him through the Office on: 292726
Confession times usually at St Georges Saturdays 5pm-5.45pm - please check the Newsletter.
Confirmation takes place every year in our parish with Fr. Brett, around about the time of Pentecost. The Bishop attends every three years for Confirmation. Preparation courses take place from September onwards and involve a weekend retreat. Year 10 or older? Add your name to our list of candidates - ring or email us - details below. Our young people aged fourteen or over, are invited to think about whether or not they would like to be confirmed. During the preparation course, our candidates explore their beliefs and feelings for a commitment to adult faith.
The Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived. Please contact the office or Fr Brett should the need arise.
If you are planning on having your child baptised, please in the fist instance contact the church office and make an appointment to see the parish priest. It is a requirement that you attend a Baptism Course. This is a one-off session. Please telephone or email the office to reserve your place on 01702 292726.