Sacraments

A Sacrament is an efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is given to us. Full and active participation in the sacramental life of the Church requires a period of preparation of both mind and heart to be receptive to the grace of new life in Christ.

Baptism

The word "baptism" is Greek in origin, meaning "immersion, bathing." The Sacrament incorporates the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth. Baptism is the first of the seven Sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church, and the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation.

Having a baby baptised is a significant step. As a parish we welcome babies into our community with great joy, but ask parents to take time to reflect on the decision they are making on their child’s behalf. We offer preparation for all parents who bring their child for Baptism in our parish. Baptisms are held the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 12:00 noon. Parents who apply for Baptism for their child are expected to attend preparation classes. Contact the parish office for more details: Tel: 01732 353984 or Email: tonbridge@rcaos.org.uk

First Confession and First Holy Communion

To understand what it means to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation we must first believe that we are loved unconditionally by God. The unconditional love that a child experiences at home is essential in helping them to believe that God always loves them. Your child knows that you will always love and forgive them no matter what. If this is true of their parents then they can only begin to imagine how much God loves them and how willing God is to forgive them.

In preparing for First Reconciliation they learn to take the necessary steps for reconciliation with themselves, with each other and with God. So, they come to celebrate first confession in the knowledge that they are always loved by God and that it is good to take responsibility and ask forgiveness for those times when their behaviour has not reflected their goodness. They are learning that it is important to say sorry and accept forgiveness that is given to them in love.

The First Holy Communion is the second step in Christian initiation which began at Baptism. The reception of the Eucharist or Holy Communion allows us to become more firmly united to the Christian community of believers. For more details please contact our Catechist Tina Kirk. Email: tonbridgercia@rcaos.org.uk

Confirmation

The sacrament of Confirmation builds on the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, and Holy Communion, completing the process of initiation into the Catholic community. Confirmation establishes young adults as fully-fledged members of the faith. This sacrament is called Confirmation because the faith given in Baptism is now confirmed and made strong. During your Baptism, your parents and godparents make promises to renounce evil and believe in God and the Church on your behalf. At Confirmation, you renew those same promises, this time speaking for yourself.

During Confirmation, the focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost and gave them courage to practise their faith. As Catholics, we believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms us during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives us the same gifts. Traditionally, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (courage), knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Being confirmed in the Church means, you are accepting responsibility for your faith and destiny. Adulthood, even young adulthood, means that you must do what’s right on your own, not for the recognition or reward but merely because it’s the right thing to do. For more details please contact our Catechist Isabelle. Email: tonbridgercia@rcaos.org.uk

Confession

“Forgiveness is not a result of our efforts, but is a gift. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit who showers us with mercy and grace that pours forth unceasingly from the open heart of Christ crucified and risen.” – Pope Francis. The Sacrament is celebrated every Saturday from 10.30 am-11.00 am & 5 pm-5.45 pm or by appointment. Parish tel. 01732 353984

Marriage

Marriage, a lifelong union between a man and a woman for family and mutual support, is a natural institution. It reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church. Couples intending marriage should contact the Parish Priest at their earliest convenience but not less than 6 months prior to the intended date of marriage. Participating in a Marriage Preparation Programme is a requisite for the reception of this Holy Sacrament.

Your desire to marry in Church is your invitation to Christ to be at the heart of your relationship. Through this Sacrament, Christ will be with you, not only on the day of your wedding, but all the days of your life together. Your wedding is naturally important to you, but it is also important to us, your priests and your parish. We all benefit from good marriages, so we are happy to be involved and to help you in any way we can. Please contact the parish on 01732 353984 or Email tonbridge@rcaos.org.uk

Priesthood

Like Marriage, priesthood it is a call from God, which respects and builds on the character, talents, generosity, and love of the person called. So it is a way of life that can never be entered into lightly, or through a personal choice of an individual. If you feel God may be calling you to this service, after prayer you will need to talk to a priest or spiritual director. With their encouragement you may feel ready to approach the Diocesan Director of Vocations. Please visit - https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/vocations/

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and forgiveness. The healing is not only a prayer for the healing of the physical body, but also a prayer for inner healing, to help the individual to understand that God is with them should they ever feel alone or scared. The prayer for forgiveness also contributes to the inner healing and ultimately a feeling of peacefulness. Through Anointing, the sick are reminded that Christ and the Church are in communion with their suffering. The Holy Spirit shares the blessings of health and trust in God.

Please, notify the priest/parish office about any person who is sick or elderly and cannot come to the church and would like to receive Holy Communion or the Anointing of the Sick. If someone is in the hospital and would like to receive the sacraments, please inform the priest/parish office. Tel. on 01732 353984 and Email tonbridge@rcaos.org.uk

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Are you not Catholic, but interested in becoming Catholic? Are you Catholic, but haven’t received your first Communion or Confirmation? Or maybe you have received your sacraments but would like a refresher in your faith? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. To learn more about the RCIA process please contact David Burford - Email tonbridgercia@rcaos.org.uk

Funerals

At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting word of God and the sacrament of the Eucharist. (Order of Christian Funerals, 4). Upon the death of a loved one, please call the Parish on 01732 353984 or email tonbridge@rcaos.org.uk