Becoming a Catholic is something we spend our whole life doing, and involves learning about our faith and then putting it into practice. No wonder we are called "Practicing Catholics"! We are holding a series of talks this year approximately once a month on various important topics of faith. These talks are for anyone who is interested in deepening their Catholic faith, or for those who are not Catholic but are interested in the Catholic faith. The talks take place in the Church Sacristy from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, and consist of an input on the subject followed by discussion and questions.
The dates for 2009/10 are as follows:
- 11th September 2009 - A sacrament and the life of grace
- 16th October 2009 - The existence of God
- 13th November 2009 - The sacraments
- 16th January 2010 - Are the gospels reliable?
- 12th February 2010 - The problem of evil and suffering
- 19th March 2010 - Do miracles occur?
- 14th May 2010 - The Arian crisis
Adult Initiation
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a programme for adults who wish to become Catholics and also Catholic adults who have not received First Communion and/or Confirmation as children. The programme usually begins in September and culminates at the Easter Vigil the following year when the sacraments of Baptism (if necessary), Confirmation and First Communion are celebrated. However every adult is different and so other arrangements can be made when necessary. The programme for this year has begun, if you are interested in joining the programme in the future please speak to Fr. Peter.
Baptism of Infants
Babies should normally be baptised in their own parish. Parents who wish to have their child baptised in a different parish should discuss this with their own parish priest as well as the priest in the parish where the baptism is to take place.
In this Parish, parents are asked to make an appointment with the Parish Priest to arrange the Baptism at least two months before the proposed date. (This appointment can take place before the child is born.) The parents will be invited to take part in a "Baptism Preparation Programme" explaining the various parts of the Baptism rite. The priest will normally visit the parents shortly before the Baptism to finalise arrangements.
The Baptism Preparation Programme consists of two meetings of approx. 1 hour. They take place in the Church Sacristy on Sundays at 11:00am. Dates that have been planned for our Preparation Programme can be found in the online Parish Diary.
Baptism Preparation of Older Children
If they are over the age of five, children require some simple instruction before they can be baptised. This will be arranged by the priest as necessary. Arrangements for Baptism will be made when the instruction is nearing completion.
Confirmation
The Parish invites the Bishop to come to the Parish to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation every two years. The next Confirmation Programme will begin in September 2009, in preparation for the visit of Bishop Hendricks on the Sunday 23rd May 2010. Young people who are in school year 8 or above may apply to be prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The programme for this year has begun, if you are interested in joining the programme in the future please speak to Fr. Peter.
First Sacraments
Children who are in year 3 or above at school can apply to make their First Holy Communion the following year. Applications are accepted from July to September. The programme of preparation begins in September and the First Communion is usually celebrated in June the following year. During the programme various meetings are arranged for parents to help them in the vital role they play in their child’s preparation for First Communion. The programme for this year has begun, if you are interested in joining the programme in the future please speak to Fr. Peter.
Marriage Preparation
This is provided by the diocese or deanery. When you see the Parish Priest he will give you details of the courses.
Religious Education for Children in Non Catholic Schools