Sacramental Programmes

Baptism Is a sacrament of new life which leaves an indelible mark on the soul. It forgives us original sins inherited from our first parents and all the sins we may have committed before receiving the sacrament, it makes us children of God and members of God holy people and we become a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. As St Paul says in Romans 6:4 when we went down into the water all our sins were drowned. And coming out of the water a new person with new life came out. Anyone who wishes to arrange for his/her infant (3years & under) baptism must fulfil the following: Parents must obtain forms when the announcement is published in the parish newsletter. Parents must attend one session of preparation before they can pick their preferred date. Baptism is celebrated on Sunday either during Mass or at 1.30pm. One of the parents must have been baptised in the catholic church and his/her own baptism certificate attached to the forms when returning them to the church. A copy of birth certificate (long version) of the child is also needed. God parents are required for baptism. You may have one or more than one. If you are getting only one he/she must be a practising catholic ; and if more than one at least one must be a practising catholic who must give the sponsor's form to his/her parish priest for signature. Please call the parish line 02088036631 and ask for Sr Vivian.

First Holy Communion Open to children who live in this Parish and are in Year 3 or above in Catholic Schools and (those who have completed one year in Saturday Classes). FHC Classes are held on Saturday mornings at 9-10.15a.m. in St Edmund's School. Saturday Classes: Are for children who do not attend Catholic Schools (aged 6 years and above) and who will be eligible to join First Holy Communion preparation classes in the next year or so. They are also for children who are not yet baptised and have passed the age of infant baptism. Classes will begin in September from 9-10.15 a.m. in St Edmund's School Confirmation Open to young people who live in this Parish and are in Yr 10 students aged 14/15 years. Forms for Confirmation are available and will only be given to the candidate and not friends or family members. You may speak to the Catechist or one of the priests if you are not sure of what to do.   Further FHC and Confirmation Information: Please read the current newsletter

Receiving Holy Communion We have to take care that Holy Communion is always received with reverence and understanding: - Please come forward quietly to receive the Body and Blod of Our Lord and prepare yourself for this sacred moment. - Please take moderately from the Chalice, always mindful of those coming after you. - Also avoid rushing to light voltive candles immediately after communion. Do that either before for after Mass. In the reception of Holy Communion, the teaching of the Church remains that to receive the consecrated host is to receive Jesus Christ whole and entire. However, if you want to partake of the chalice, you are to take a sip NOT a mouthful. Taking a little sip does not make you receive less of Jesus neither is taking a mouthful increases Jesus in you. It rather signifies something else. Please be considerate of those coming behind you Punctuality Coming late for Sunday worship with the community is not a good idea and there is nothing as distracting as seeing people walk up to take the front sit during the homily. If you must come late at all for whatever reason, try to wait for the assembly of the faithful to stand before you make your way to the front. There is nothing as sacred and wonderful as arriving in good time for Mass. Eucharistic Fast Please remember that the church recommends that you abstain from food and drink except water at least one hour before the time you receive Holy Communion. Please do not chew gum or eat sweets in church. Parents please do not bring food or sweets for your children to eat during Mass Times. There are a number of benches and even Hymn Books where gum have been left stucked. Our cleaning Teams have found it very disgraceful to remove. Please ensure that gum is not brought into the church. Thank You.

Marriage If you wish to get married in the Church here or overseas preparation paper work needs to be completed, please note that six months notice must be given of your impending marriage. You will be required to attend a Pre-Marriage Course for engaged couples, which are held on a regular basis. Please see the Newsletter for further information and contact the Parish to arrange an appointment to discuss your wedding plans with the Parish Preist.