Sacramental Preparation
Sacraments are outward signs of the divine grace of God, instituted by Jesus Christ for the Church. Christ was present at the inception of the Sacraments he instituted, and he is always present every time each Sacrament is celebrated.
There are seven Sacraments —
- •Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist – Sacraments of initiation
- •Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick – Sacraments of forgiveness and healing
- •Holy Orders and Marriage – Sacraments of service to the community and mission
The Parish offers preparation classes for Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Marriage. These preparation classes must be completed before the Sacrament can be received.
Are you interested in becoming a Catholic? You can explore the Catholic faith through our adult Formation programme.
The Sacraments of adult initiation are:
- • Baptism (for those not already baptised)
- • Confirmation
- • Eucharist
Preparation for these Sacraments will be covered in our adult Formation programme known as the "Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults (RCIA)." This is a structured programme in the Catholic Church for adults looking to join or return to the Faith; it involves stages of education, spiritual formation, and rituals, leading to the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The process culminates in the Easter Vigil, where participants are fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Please contact our Parish Office for more information on our adult Formation programme on 01303 252823 or folkestone@rcaos.org.uk
The Sacraments of initiation starts with Baptism, then the Eucharist (First Holy Communion) and finish with Confirmation.
Baptism
Baptism is the first Sacrament that a person receives in the Roman Catholic Church. It opens the door to all the other sacraments.
Baptism may only take place after the parents/guardians have undergone preparation with the Parish Priest. Baptisms can be celebrated at either 3pm on a Saturday or 1pm on a Sunday on the 1st or 3rd Sunday of the month. Please note that preparation for infant Baptism will take place every second Sunday of the month in the Hall.
Godparents help the child and parents prepare for Baptism and guide their faith journey.
If you are thinking in getting your child Baptised. Please, complete one of the forms available at the back of Church and submit it to the Parish Office.
The Eucharist
Children who will be 8 years old or above when they celebrate the Sacrament, may join our First Holy Communion preparation programme with the approval of the Parish Priest. This programme is held weekly and starts in late September, children and their parent/guardian will not be asked to attend class during their school holidays, but the child may have homework to complete.
First Reconciliation
Before the celebration of First Holy Communion, children are prepared to celebrate their First Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation wipes away all sins committed after baptism.
Confirmation
At Confirmation, the individual receives the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and reverence of the Lord.
Children ages 14 and above, may join our Confirmation preparation programme with the approval of the Parish Priest. This programme starts in October. These individuals are expected to have sponsors who will help them through the programme. Sponsors should be practising Catholics.
Confirmation is held once a year in May or June when the Bishop will visit our Parish to celebrate Confirmation.
If you would like to be confirmed, please complete one of the forms, available at the back of Church, and submit it to the Parish Office.
Marriage is the union of a man and a woman in the presence of God. Ensure that the date you are thinking of getting married on is available and that you will be able to complete your marriage preparation course before this date. If you want to get married in our Parish, please contact our Parish Office, to find out more about our marriage preparation programme.
Bereavement is a time of sadness and great loss, but our faith provides the strength to face it. Please contact the Parish Office to arrange funeral Masses and services.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick involves the blessing and anointing with oil. The Oil of the Sick is used for those who are seriously ill or near death and prayer with the power to heal and forgive sin. For more information, please contact the Parish Office.
Priests are called to serve the needs of the Christian faithful and proclaim the Good News to all. The Southwark Diocese website offers a wealth of supporting material for those considering the priesthood.
https://rcaos.org.uk/vocations/The Parish has a team of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, who are all commissioned by the Archbishop and DBS checked. Their ministry includes taking the Sacrament of Holy Communion to people who are long-term sick or disabled, and who are unable to get to Mass.
If you know of anyone who is not currently receiving the Sacrament at home (or where they are living), please inform Fr Alex Saba via the Parish Office.
People who are seriously ill or undergoing operations may ask for the Anointing of the Sick. Those who are going into hospital should remember to ask for a visit from the hospital Catholic Chaplain.
The hospital will arrange for a Catholic minister or an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to bring them Holy Communion. If anointing is needed, a request can be made for a Priest to visit.