Sacraments

Baptism

Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213

    • If you are looking to have your baby or child baptised, please contact the parish office for an application form. The priest or catechist will then guide you through the process.
    • If you are looking to be baptised yourself, the first step is to talk it over with the parish priest.
    • Adults and older children are usually baptised at Easter; for babies and young children, it is usually on a Sunday at 2pm.
    • Please note that godparents must be baptised Christians. At least one of them should be a practicing Catholic.
    • It costs nothing to get baptised in the Catholic Church. For those who can afford it, there is a suggested donation of £40.

Confirmation

The effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1302

    • This year, Confirmations will be celebrated on 20th May 2025 at 7pm
    • Catholics seeking to marry within the Catholic Church must be confirmed.
    • Usually, this sacrament is conferred by the local bishop. However, for various reasons, he may delegate it to the parish priest.

Eucharist / Holy Communion

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324

    • Primary 4 First Communions will be celebrated this year on 31st May at 10am
    • Eucharistic Adoration flows from the Mass and leads back to it. Adoration is at the heart of our spirituality as a Catholic parish. Adoration is timetabled before morning Masses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. When a priest is available, the Tuesday Prayer Group (7-8pm) also has Adoration.
    • We have a ministry of Holy Communion visits to the sick and housebound. If you have a housebound relative or friend who would like a visit, or if you fall into that category yourself, please contact the parish.

Confession / Reconciliation

In the Church, there are water and tears: the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance.

St Ambrose

    • Primary 3 First Confessions this year are celebrated on 18th March at 6pm
    • The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at regular times (see homepage). However, you can arrange to make a Confession at any time by speaking to the priest.
    • Catholics are obliged to Confess at least once a year, prior to Easter. However, it’s recommended that we confess more often than that. Monthly Confession is good for the soul!
    • Priests are absolutely forbidden, for any reason whatever, to disclose what a penitent has said in Confession.
    • If you are not sure how to make a Confession – perhaps it’s been a long time – don’t let that put you off. The priest will help you. You can also take a look at this link, which walks you through the basics: How to Go to Confession: The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation | Hallow

The Anointing of the Sick

Is any among you sick? Let him call for the priests of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Letter of St James, 5:14

    • Those wishing to receive this Sacrament should contact the parish. The priest will be happy to make an arrangement.
    • When death is imminent, this Sacrament forms part of what we call the Last Rites. The Last Rites prepare us for our final journey and for eternal life with God.
    • The Last Rites also include Confession and Holy Communion, if the person is able. Thus, if possible, the Last Rites should be celebrated when the dying person is conscious and able to eat.
    • The Anointing of the Sick is not only for those nearing death. Here are a few examples of when it might be appropriate to ask for this Sacrament:
      • you have just received a difficult, possibly life-changing diagnosis
      • you are about to undergo a serious operation
      • you are living with chronic illness or pain
      • you have suffered from a stroke, a heart attack, or any other sudden and serious event

Marriage

For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24

    • Those wishing to marry in the Catholic Church should contact the Parish Priest at least 6 months in advance of the proposed date.
    • Please don’t confirm bookings with hotels, venues etc before confirming the date with the priest!
    • The priest will guide you through the process, from the initial meeting to your wedding day.
    • It costs nothing to get married in the Catholic Church. For those who can afford it, there is a suggested donation of £150.