Sacraments at the Holy Ghost Parish Church

The Sacraments are a central aspect of parish life, and the most important celebrations in the life of a Christian.

For Mass times, and times of Confessions, please see the separate heading on our home page.

If you wish to arrange a Baptism or enquire about a Wedding, or if you or someone you know are in need of the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact us by email. One of the priests will respond to you.

We regularly prepare children and young people to receive the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Details of these courses are announced annually, usually during the Autumn term. Please note – given the importance of these Sacraments in the life of the Church, we would expect the young people to be attending Mass regularly prior to enrolling on these classes, and their families to be registered parishioners.

We also run courses of instruction for adults wishing to enter the Catholic Church – if you are interested, please email us or speak to one of the priests.

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Baptism

Baptism is the first Sacrament which all Christians receive. ‘It makes the baptised person a participant in the divine life of the Trinity through sanctifying grace, the grace of justification which incorporates one into Christ and into his Church’ (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 263).

If you would like to have a child baptised at Holy Ghost, please begin by speaking to the Parish Priest after one of our Sunday Masses – he can then give you the necessary forms and explain the process leading to baptism. Please be aware that there is usually a waiting list of several months before a baptism can be celebrated.

It is also possible for adults to be baptised, if they have never received this Sacrament – if you would like to know more, please contact the Parish Office.

Confession

The Sacrament of Confession (also known as Reconciliation) is a Sacrament of Forgiveness. ‘The risen Lord instituted this Sacrament on the evening of Easter when he showed himself to his apostles and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven, if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’ (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 298).

Confessions are available at Holy Ghost every Saturday from 10.30 – 11.00 am, and during Holy Hours (on Fridays from 10.00 until 10.45 am, and on Sundays from 5.00 until 5.45 pm). It is also possible to go to Confession by making an appointment to see a priest outside these hours. 

The Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist in the most important Sacrament in the life of the Church. ‘It is a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet, in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us’ (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 271).

Children can be prepared to make their First Holy Communion from school Year 3 and above. Registration for classes normally begins in the autumn term – please look out for announcements after Sunday Mass.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation brings about a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. ‘It roots the recipient more deeply in divine sonship, binds him more firmly to Christ and to the Church and reinvigorates the gifts of the Holy Spirit in his soul. It gives a special strength to witness to the Chrisian faith’ (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 268)

Young people can be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from school Year 8 and above. Registration for classes normally begins in the autumn term – please look out for announcements after Sunday Mass.

It is also possible for adults to be confirmed, if they have never received this Sacrament (and, to be received into the Church, if not previously Catholic) – if you would like to know more, please contact the Parish Office.

Anointing of the Sick 

The Sacrament of Anointing can be given to those seriously ill or in danger of death. ‘This sacrament confers a special grace which unites the sick person more intimately to the Passion of Christ for his good and for the good of all the Church. It gives comfort, peace, courage and even the forgiveness of sins if the sick person is not able to make a confession’ (Compendium of Catechism of the Catholic Church, 319).

If you are unwell and in need of anointing – or you have a relative or friend in need of this sacrament – please contact the Parish Office and ask to speak to one of the priests.

Marriage

The Sacrament of Marriage, or Matrimony, establishes a perpetual and exclusive bond of love between husband and wife. ‘This sacrament bestows upon the spouses the grace necessary to attain holiness in their married life and to accept responsibly the gift of children’ (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 346)

Couple wishing to marry at Holy Ghost should contact the Parish Office to find out more information. Please be aware that the Church’s Canon Law requires that the couple give at least six months’ notice, in order to leave time for the necessary preparation.

Click here for information about Marriage Preparation

Holy Orders 

The Sacrament of Holy Orders (Ordination) ‘is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to the end of time’ (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 322). A man who feels he may be called to serve Christ through receiving the sacrament of Ordination should speak to one of the parish clergy.  

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