BAPTISM
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.”” (CCC 1213)
Follow these easy 5-Steps:
1. Please download and read our Baptism Brochure below for general information.
2. Make an appointment with our Baptism Coordinator at baptisms.joseph@gmail.com and collect the Baptism Register Data Form.
3. Fill out the Baptism Register Data Form and hand it over to the Parish Office.
4. Attend the Welcoming Mass at 10am and the Introductory Session at 11am (held on the First Sunday of every Month).
5. Baptisms take place twice a month; on the Second and Fourth Sunday of every month at 3pm.
On the day of baptism, the infant’s baptism certificate will be given. The Donation (£60) must be paid no later than the Baptism date.
For more information about Baptisms at St. Joseph’s, please contact baptisms.joseph@gmail.com
Godparent Requirements
According to Canon Law: Can. 872 Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfil faithfully the obligations inherent in it. Can. 873
There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each. Can. 874 §1.
To be permitted to take on the function of Sponsor a person must:
– be a Baptized and Confirmed Catholic
– be a regular participant at Sunday Mass
-in a Sacramental Marriage (if applicable)
-leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith and the role of Sponsor.
BROCHURE
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Our Children’s Faith Formation program is designed to help children grow in faith, identity, and understanding of the Catholic Church. Children’s Faith Formation is a wonderful opportunity for children and parents alike to experience the presence of God in their lives and come to a new and deeper understanding of our church community. Working as a family, we hope to help children grow in faith and familiarize themselves with the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church by translating them into developmentally appropriate, interactive lessons. Come learn, pray, and grow with your St. Joseph’s family! First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation is for children over the age of seven years and in Year 3 or above.
CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a crucial step in the faith journey of a young person. This program blends religious education, faith sharing, community service, and spiritual development in a way that is personal and fosters strong ties between the Confirmation candidates. Confirmation preparation is for young people in Year 9 or above.
The sacrament of Confirmation is a sacrament that seals the process of Christian initiation to the Church. It is a sacrament necessary for someone to qualify to be a baptismal or Confirmation sponsor because it makes them a full member of the Church with all the graces accompanying it.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five effects of Confirmation:
1) It roots us more deeply in our Faith
2) It unites us more firmly to Christ;
3) It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
4) It renders our bond with the Church more perfect
5) It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word
and action as true witnesses of Christ
For more information, please contact the Parish Office.
BROCHURE-
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament which gives one grace as strengthening,
and peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that are associated with disease, illness and dying. The essential rite of the sacrament consists in the priest laying hands on the sick, anointing with blessed oil, and praying “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”
Is any sick among you? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5: 14-16)
Healing Mass/Anointing of the Sick takes place on the First Friday of each month
at the 9.30a.m. Mass.
Handbook
Matrimony
Marriage preparations in the Church are divided into three components:
Educational
Documentation
Liturgical
These reflect faith, person and canonical readiness for marriage. It is suggested that these preparations begin at least six months prior to the anticipated wedding date.
For more information about being married at St. Joseph’s please contact
the Parish Office.
Wedding Mass Template
Religious Life/Holy Orders
Aside from the fact that we are all called to be holy, God has chosen a particular plan for each of us; a way to serve him as we live out our life in one of several vocations:
Sacramental Marriage
Holy Orders [Priesthood or Diaconate]
Religious Life [Nuns, Sisters, Brothers, and Monks]
Generous Single Life in Christ
When we want to discover God’s particular plan for our life, we have to find a way to hear God telling us about that plan. When we are trying to listen for God’s plan for us, we are said to be “discerning” that plan.
Vocations Prayer
God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
For more information regarding vocations please contact the Parish Office.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centred on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church He founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time.
For more information, please contact: