The sacraments are celebrations of God’s life and presence in our world and in our parish community. We aim to help individuals and families prepare for such important events.
‘Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law … The seven sacraments touch all stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith.’ (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1210)
First and foremost, all 7 sacraments are an encounter with Christ, who is Himself the original sacrament. Reflecting natural life and Christian life, the sacraments can be ordered as follows:
Sacraments of Initiation:
- Baptism,
- Confirmation,
- Eucharist (Communion)
Sacraments of Healing:
- Reconciliation (Confession, Penance),
- Sacrament of the Sick
Sacraments at the Service of Communion:
- Matrimony,
- Holy Orders
We welcome all enquiries from Parishioners residing in the parish or living outside the parish boundary who presently worship at St Monica’s.
Infant Baptism
To have your child(ren) baptised, you need to attend mass regularly and live in the parish.
If you are new to St Monica’s, speak to one of the Priests so that you may be registered with us. All ‘first time’ parents will then need to attend a Baptism preparation session – see events calendar for the next ‘Baptism Preparation Session’ (normally first Sunday of the month) – it is whilst on the course you will be able to select a date (we normally offer the first Saturday of the month at 11:30am) for the baptism of your child(ren). If you have attended the course in the last three years then please contact the priest for a Baptism registration form and book a Baptism date. If it has been longer than three years, then discuss with the priest about attending the course for a refresher. The course is normally held on a Sunday afternoon between 3-5pm in the Newman Room. Please see the events calendar for the next date.
If you do not live in the parish you will need to obtain permission from your parish of residence before the Baptism to take place of your child(ren).
Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Catechesis
Along with the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, First Holy Communion is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. It is through these sacraments of Initiation that we become full members of the Church.
In the parish we offer two sets of classes to prepare children for their first reconciliation and first Holy Communion:
Children at a Non-Catholic Primary school have to complete a ‘Catechism Course’ before they can be enrolled on the First Reconciliation & Holy Communion programme aged 7 or above (Year 3). The Catechism Class is for those who are to start Year 2 in the following September or who are older. This course takes place on Saturday mornings during term-time, between November to April in the Newman Room. Application forms are given out in the preceding summer term by the priests after mass to those who attend the parish and who are registered.
Children at a Catholic Primary school The parish preparation programme for First Reconciliation and Holy Communion is for children aged 7-8yrs (starting in September of Year 3) or older. Enrolment forms are available for parishioners after Mass in June/July when they are in year 2 and the first part of the course begins at the end of September, taking place on Saturday mornings in term time at the Parish School.
Children with Special Needs We are blessed in the parish to have specially trained catechists who work with children with various educational needs. The catechists initially visit the child(ren) and their family at home to help assess their particular needs and to plan with the family how best to prepare them. Please contact Anna McMullen when your child is starting in Year 2 so that we can begin this period of introction and begin to build the trust and familiarity with your child and you early on.
Parental involvment is strongly encouraged in yourt child(rens)’s preparation Please visit the Westminster Diocesan website for practical ways in which you can support your child(ren) with their faith and their Sacramental preparation.
https://rcdow.org.uk/evangelisation/our-catholic-faith/sacraments
For further informtion please contact Anna McMullan by email: annamcmullan@rcdow.org.uk
Confirmation
Along with the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that we become full members of the Church. Confirmation helps give us the strength to live faithfully as Christians through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Those looking to enrol on the programme will be 13-14 years old (starting in Year 10 in the following academic year). Enrolment forms are available in June/July from one of the priests after Mass.
During the programme we look at life’s big questions, who & what influence us, hear testimonies about how God has called and worked his grace in people, and discover more about how the Holy Spirit works.
Young People with Special Needs have specially trained catechists to work with them, and we are blessed to have some in the parish. The catechists initially visit the young person and family at home to assess their needs and how best to prepare them. Please contact Anna when your child is starting in Year 9 so we start to build a relationship with them, and you, early on.
Contact Anna McMullan for further information on annamcmullan@rcdow.org.uk.
Adult Confirmation if you are aged 18 or over and would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, please speak to one of the priests. Adult confirmation is normally completed through the R.C.I.A. programme.
Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is the closest expression of unity that we have as human beings – a replication of the love at the heart of the Trinity. Couples who are eligible to marry at St. Monica’s through residency are asked to give at least six months’ notice and to take part in a marriage preparation programme. Any practical help concerning the marriage will be given to them at their early meetings with one of the Priests. Those resident here but wanting to get married elsewhere are also asked to make early contact.
Sacrament of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Sick brings to those who are suffering, whether in body or mind, a strengthening of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands and anointing with Holy Oil reserved for the Sick. It is celebrated before major surgery, or when news of an illness is diagnosed. Please contact the priests or Sister Joyce directly as soon as possible if you or one of your household is ill at home or has become housebound and we will arrange to visit you.
The Last Rites (Viaticum) are the rites of the church that are celebrated before someone dies bringing them Spiritual healing through the Absolution of Sins, Holy Anointing and Holy Communion as Food for the Journey. If you or a loved one is entering into the final stages of earthly life please contact one of the priests immediately and they will endevour to attend and adminster the Sacraments.
Home Visits. Please contact the parish team if you require Holy Communion to be brought to you at home. Or if you wish to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation with one of the Priests. Members of the Parish Team and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist regularly bring Holy Communion to people at home.
Hospital stays If you are going into hospital then please let the parish team know so we can pray for you and offer you the sacrament of the Sick. When you arrive at the Hospital you should state that you would like your details to be passed to the Roman Catholic chaplain, who will then visit you. Please keep the parish team informed of your progress and when you are back at home.
Holy Orders and Religious Life
God is always calling us to our unique vocation: Marriage, Concecrated Virgin and for some that will be a call to either the Diactornate and or Priesthood or the Religious Life. If you feel that God may be calling you, please do contact one of the priests or sister for an informal chat. There are also pages on the diocesan website to help you with your discenment. https://rcdow.org.uk/vocations/
