Sacraments

“Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.”  [CCC 1275]

Baptism

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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 in the word."[CCC 1213]

When is Baptism celebrated?

Baptisms are usually celebrated on a Sunday, either during the 10am or 12 noon parish Mass or it can be celebrated at a time in the afternoon, usually around 2pm. Anyone wishing to arrange a baptism should contact the parish priest. It would be normal to give a few months notice.

Who can be a godparent?

There must be at least one godparent, that person must be a baptised, confirmed Roman Catholic adult (aged 16 or older) who has received their first holy communion. You may wish have a second godparent,  in which case you may choose an adult who is not Catholic but they must be a baptised member of a Christian denomination.

Confirmation and Eucharist

Throughout the Diocese of Galloway Confirmation and First Communion are celebrated at the same time, during the same celebration of Mass. These sacraments continue what was begun in baptism but they should not be considered as an automatic consequence of baptism. The parents of Children in primary four (or older) who consider their children ready to celebrate these sacraments are invited to present them to the parish community in a special rite celebrated in Advent. Parents also take part in this rite and make a public commitment to support and encourage their child as they prepare for these sacraments. Confirmation and First Communion are normally celebrated during Easteride.

Marriage

“The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.” [CCC 1661]

Couples intending to marry are required to give at least six months notice and should contact the parish priest before making other arrangements for the wedding. If the persons to be married normally reside outside of the Parish, they should first contact the priest where they live as certain paperwork must be completed by their own parish priest and then sent to the Parish where they are to be married. Weddings are not celebrated on Sunday (except in exceptional circumstances) nor on Christmas Day or during Holy Week.