SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Baptism of Infants
Parents wishing to have their infants baptised must first undergo some preparation. Parents and Godparents are required to attend two one-hour sessions (usually on consecutive weeks). These sessions take place four times a year, usually in October, January, April and July. Please speak to Fr Shaun or Sister Margarita if you wish to register for the baptism of your child. Parents are advised that they are welcome to undertake the preparation before their child is born, if they so wish. The Catholic Church encourages parents to have their children baptised as soon as possible after birth. Parents should also be aware that some Secondary Schools currently have admissions criteria which state that the child must have been baptised within six months or a year.
Religious Education Classes for those Children not in a Catholic School
Children who are not in a Catholic School will need to complete a programme of religious education classes prior to admittance to the First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation Programme. Religious education classes are open to children in Year 2 or above. Older children (aged 7 or above) seeking the sacrament of Baptism must also undertake these classes prior to receiving the sacrament. Enrolment times for religious education classes are published in the Parish Newsletter.
Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First CommunionChildren wishing to be prepared for these sacraments must be in Year 3 or above and worship regularly in this parish. Evidence of baptism will be required at the time of enrolment. Parents must be committed to bringing their child to weekly sessions, assist them with follow-up work at home and bring them to the 11.00am Sunday Mass for the duration of the programme, as the children have their own special Liturgy of the Word at that time. Enrolment times for First Communion Preparation are published in the Parish Newsletter.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Young people wishing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation are usually in Year 9 and must be sufficiently mature to undertake the commitment required for this sacrament. Evidence of baptism is required at the time of registration. Candidates are expected to show a genuine commitment to weekly attendance at Sunday Mass, the weekly preparation sessions and the retreat day. Notification of registration for this sacrament is published annually in the Parish Newsletter.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which adults wishing to become Roman Catholics (or adult Roman Catholics wishing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation) are gradually introduced to the Catholic faith and way of life. RCIA preparation usually begins in the autumn (with weekly classes through until Easter) and involves a number of stages punctuated by liturgical rites to prepare the candidates for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Notification of registration for the RCIA is published annually in the Newsletter.
Getting married?
If you are planning to get married at Our Lady of the Holy Souls or elsewhere and you live in the parish, please make an appointment to see Fr Shaun. You are required to give at least six months notice so that marriage preparation and paperwork can be completed in time.
