St Joseph's Catholic Church: Sacraments

Sacraments: Vehicles of Grace

The sacraments are Christ's own gift that provide us with his grace. They are the divine helps which God gives us to enable us to:

Believe the truths of His faith
Live according to His moral code
Grow in His gift of divine life

The seven sacrements are a fundamental part of the Catholic faith.

	Baptism One of the Seven Sacraments of the Christian Church; frequently called the "first sacrament", the "door of the sacraments", and the "door of the Church". Read more Courses The Baptism course aims to give parents and God parents the opportunity to explore what they are undertaking on behalf of their children when they ask for Baptism and to familiarise them with the ceremony itself, the significance of the prayers and symbols and the various "practicalities". The course is a video presentation and discussion. Where? It is held in the parish offices in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere. When? It takes place alternate months starting in January of each year. The course is ongoing throughout the year and each course lasts for 1 or 2 sessions - 3 hours in total, usually in the evening, 7.30pm/8.00pm Application Form For those wishing Baptism an application form must be completed and handed into the parish office. For more information contact us. Adult Baptism R.C.I.A - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
	First Holy Communion 2011-2012 The First Holy Communion programme is for those children who have just started in Year 3 at school. There are 8 monthly sessions, including a Reconciliation service and a celebratory Mass at the end of the programme. Meetings are held on Saturday afternoons for children and parents to encourage a sense of belonging to the Church community. Applications forms will be available in the church porch within the next few weeks. The programme for St Joseph's starts on Saturday 8th October at 2.30pm. Download a form here. For more information contact us.
	Confirmation 2012 Confirmation is a sacrament which completes the Christian's initiation and begins their journey as an "adult" member of the Catholic Church. In this diocese the preparation takes place when the young person is in year 10 at school. All schools in the area are represented. Here we expect the young person to make the initial enquiry as this is part of their taking responsibility for their own faith journey. The preparation consists of several sessions, after which the young person makes a commitment to the course and to the group. The programme will start in January 2012. Applications forms are available here. Find out more
	Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Interested in finding out about becoming a Catholic? If you’re not baptised or confirmed or are a member of another Christian denomination - then the RCIA would be able to help. The Church is growing in Guildford! In April this year seventeen adults were either baptised, confirmed and/or received into full membership of the Church – plus nine of their children. The RCIA starts meeting in September and if you would like to be part of that process or know of someone who may be interested in becoming a member of our Church, then please do get in touch with your local parish office. We look forward to hearing from you. Find out more
	Marriage Preparation Couples wishing to marry must give 6 months notice to the priest and undertake a course of Marriage Preparation. Getting married is one of the most important steps you will take in life and the aim of the course is to give you time, during what can be a very busy period, to focus on your relationship with one another, to explore your hopes and fears for the future and to look at models for communication and problem solving, which can be of help in a lasting relationship. The course also covers the understanding of the Christian and Catholic view of marriage as a sacrament and a lifelong commitment. Find out more
	Reconciliation Confession is one of the least understood of the sacraments of the Catholic Church. In reconciling us to God, it is a great source of grace, and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often. Read more Three things are required of a penitent in order to receive the sacrament worthily: He must be contrite—or, in other words, sorry for his sins. He must confess those sins fully, in kind and in number. He must be willing to do penance and make amends for his sins. While Catholics are only required to go to Confession when they are aware that they have committed a mortal sin, the Church urges the faithful to take advantage of the sacrament often. A good rule of thumb is to go once per month. Saturdays 11.00 - 12noon, 3rd Sunday of the month 5.45pm - 6.15pm and by appointment

Sacramental Preparation

We aim to ensure training, support and resources, preparing both children and parents for the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation. We aim to prepare couples for marriage.

Sacraments: Vehicles of Grace

Baptism

First Holy Communion 2011-2012

Confirmation 2012

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Marriage Preparation

Reconciliation

Sacramental Preparation

Parish Information