1. Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism, the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, is also the first of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. It removes the effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Body of Christ on earth. Any Catholic parent/guardian resident in the Parish who wishes their child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism is asked to make an appointment to talk with the Parish Priest. For further information on the Sacrament of Baptism please click here.
2. Sacrament of Holy Communion
Another Sacrament of Initiation is Holy Communion, the Eucharist, and it is the only one of the three that we receive repeatedly – even daily. 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. For further information on the Sacrament of Holy Communion please click here.
First Communion
Any Catholic parent/guardian with children resident in the parish who wishes their child to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion and celebrate the Sacrament of Penance is asked to contact the Parish Priest. Children wishing to make these sacraments should be in Year Three (aged eight) at the time they receive these sacraments and should have already received the Sacrament of Baptism. The ‘First Holy Communion Programme’ at St. Anthony’s runs from October to June. If you would like your child to join the next programme please speak with the Parish Priest.
3. Confirmation
Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with the special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to live by and to spread the faith by word and deed. The Sacrament of Confirmation is available to Catholics in Year Nine of secondary school (aged fourteen) having already received the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. The ‘Confirmation Programme’ at St. Anthony’s runs from January until receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in May or June. If you would like to join the next programme please speak with the Parish Priest. For further information on the Sacrament of Confirmation please click here.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
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. The catechists help prepare adults to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). For details on the RCIA Group at St. Anthony’s please speak with the Parish Priest or email Liz O’Neill at mumofrugrats@hotmail.co.uk.
4. Sacrament of 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. Catholics are encouraged to celebrate this Sacrament regularly (and at least once each year). For further information on the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) please click here. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at St. Anthony’s on Saturday from 10.30-11.15am & 5.30-6.15pm and by appointment.
5. Sacrament of 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.
6. Sacrament of Matrimony
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. It reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church. The Church requires all couples wishing to receive this Sacrament to be properly prepared (at least six months notice is required). If you would like to receive this Sacrament at St. Anthony’s please contact the Parish Priest. For further information on the Sacrament of Matrimony please click here.
7. Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Formerly referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, 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. For further information on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick please click here
