Baptism | Reconciliation | First Communion | Marriage

Confirmation | Vocation | Sacrament of the Sick

There are seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. Symbolic actions combine with the appropriate text to make real what is symbolised. Sacraments thus make tangibly present the saving mysteries of Christ’s love for his church and are a source of life and grace.

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the Christian community. This is usually followed by Holy Communion when Christ is made present under the form of bread and wine. Often this sacrament is accompanied by Reconciliation, in which God’s forgiveness is received. Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation which is undertaken to strengthen Christians with the power of the Holy Spirit for their adult lives. Marriage brings the power of God’s love to the couple while Ordination is for the few who are chosen to be sacred ministers. Finally the Sacrament of the Sick brings the healing power of Jesus to the old and sick.

Baptism

	Baptism is the first of three sacraments of initiation and it is therefore a person’s entry into the life of Christ. The first Baptisms were for adults, but probably very early in the history of the church infants were brought for Baptism. In the Catholic Church adults are usually baptised at the Easter Vigil, and receive preparation in the Faith Group RCIA. Parents of infants for Baptism receive preparation in this parish in a series of three sessions run on Monday evenings by parish catechists in St Benedict's at 7.30 pm.
A Baptism Service is celebrated on a Sunday afternoon twice a year in March and October. A week before, parents and children for Baptism are presented to the community at the 9.30 Mass in the Abbey Church.
Baptism of Ignatia Whitehead, Feb 1st 2009
Baptism Preparation Dates Mondays in the Parish Office Autumn 2011 Classes begin on Monday, 3rd October at 7.30 pm and are held on the following Mondays, 10th and 17th October Sunday, 23rd October: Presentation of the candidates at the 9.30 am Mass in the Abbey Sunday, 30th October: Baptism Service at 3.00 pm in the Abbey Winter 2012 Classes begin on Monday, 6th February at 7.30 pm and are held on the following Mondays, 13th and 20th February  Sunday, 26th February: Presentation of the candidates at the 9.30 Mass in the Abbey Sunday , 11th March: Baptism Service at 3.00 pm in the Abbey Autumn 2012 Classes begin on Monday, 1st October at 7.30 pm and are held on the following Mondays, 8th and 15th October Sunday, 21st October: Presentation of the candidates at the 9.30 Mass in the Abbey Sunday, 28th October: Baptism Service at 3.00 pm in the Abbey If you wish to have your child baptised please contact the Parish Secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone on 01342 710313 Baptism Catechists are: Christina Fitzsimons (Co-ordinator, 01444 415557) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Brenda Ellison (01293 518955)  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it