Baptism
Baptism is not something which magically makes a baby into a Christian. Rather it helps nurture the seeds of faith. The Church believes in a God who invites, who loves, who forgives.
If you are expecting a child or have recently had a baby, or if you are returning to religious practice after becoming a parent, please contact one of the baptism catechists near the font after the 10.30am Sunday Mass. They will explain the baptism preparation programme, which includes regular attendance at Mass. They can also advise you on baptism preparation for an older child.
If you are an adult who has never been baptised in any Christian denomination and is considering whether you should be, we would love to hear from you.
‘Such is the grace of God and such is our faith, which we must transmit to our sons and daughters, transmit to children, so that once adults, they can do the same for their children. This is what Baptism is.’
Pope Francis
Reconciliation
In the sacrament of Reconciliation, we encounter God’s love for us through the gift of forgiveness, pardon and peace.
The sacrament of Reconciliation is regularly available in church on Saturdays (after the 10am Mass and at 5pm) or on request.
Following the teachings of the Church, children are introduced to Reconciliation during the year in which they make their first Holy Communion and are invited to celebrate this sacrament of God’s healing thereafter. Parents can discover if their child is ready by clicking here.
Eucharist
The celebration of the Eucharist is at the core of our parish life, particularly on Sundays. All care is taken to make sure our worship is reverent and welcoming to all. For adults who seek communion with the Catholic Church, we run a programme of preparation which culminates in reception during the Easter Vigil (see RCIA page). Baptised Catholic children may be prepared to receive Holy Communion from the age of seven or eight (school year 3). Our parish is committed to supporting families in this role by offering a programme for parents and children between September and May.
How do you know if your child is ready for Holy Communion? Click here to find out.
The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life’. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Confirmation
All those who have been baptised in the Catholic Church are encouraged to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation, since it completes the unification process in Baptism and of which the apex is the celebration of the Eucharist.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, ‘Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a livelier familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. Although the grace received at Confirmation is not bound by physical maturity, it is customary in our diocese that a person be at least fourteen years of age (school year 10) to prepare for this sacrament.
Our Youth Ministry team runs an annual programme for young people typically in school year 10, but older candidates up to the age of 18 are welcome to join. The confirmation programme for 2024 will begin on Monday 22nd January at 7.30pm in the church. Please bring along a copy of the candidate’s baptism certificate and the registration fee of £30.
Adults (18+) who are baptised Catholics but not confirmed are welcome to prepare for the sacrament in consultation with a member of the pastoral team.
Marriage
St Joseph’s welcomes couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage and the priests are here to help you in whatever way they can.
Please note that it is a requirement of the Bishop of Arundel & Brighton that you give a minimum of six months’ notice of your intention to marry. This applies whether you wish to get married at St Joseph’s or elsewhere.
You must both attend a Marriage Preparation course. Our parish course covers topics such as communication, sharing, family life and the Sacrament of Marriage. It is led by experienced married couples and a member of the parish clergy.
Information about the documents you will need to obtain are available from the Parish Office.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is not a a sacrament for all, but for the special few who are called to serve God and his people.
We should all pray that those men and women called by God have the strength and courage to answer him.
Do you feel a call to the religious life or priesthood?
If you answer “yes” don’t ignore it, talk to one of the priests in the parish. They will help you to explore your calling and give your the necessary guidance to take it further.
There are many resources on-line for anyone interested in learning about vocations. Our Diocesan Vocations page is here.
Anointing of the Sick
The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near – but not limited to – the time of death.
Please let the parish office know if someone is in need of this sacrament or in an emergency contact one of the priests.
