Sacramental Preparation

We offer a number of education programmes for children and adults at various stages in their life journeys. Details of ongoing courses are listed below, but if you have any requirements not covered here, please do not hesitate to contact one of the priests.

Baptism

Baptism is the beginning of the journey of Faith. Provision is made for ongoing formation for both parents and godparents before the celebration of the Sacrament. Baptisms are usually held on a Saturday or Sunday. Parents need to see one of the priests and then attend the Baptismal Preparation before their child's Baptism can be booked. Baptism preparation usually takes place on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm in the church. Contact the Office for timing of the next Session.

First Holy Communion

Classes start in September each year and run for approximately 8 months. Children should be in School Year 3 (i.e. 7 years old at the time of receiving First Holy Communion) to join. Click Here for full details. Applications are now closed for the 2012-2013 year

Confirmation

For teenagers (children should be in Year 9 of the school national curriculum), a confirmation course usually runs from January to June. Older Catholics who are not confirmed should make individual enquiry of the clergy.

Journey in faith

This is a course for adults who are considering becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church. It meets on Wednesday at 7.30pm. in the St Thomas More School Room in Draycott Terrace. Please have a word with one of the priests if you would like further information.   Click Here for full details

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

This course, for adults who wish to become Catholics, begins every Autumn and runs until the following Easter when the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion are received.Click Here for full details

Marriage preparation

If you are planning to get married either at St Mary's or elsewhere and you live in our Parish, please call the Rectory Office and make an appointment to see one of the priests. You need to give at least six months' notice so that marriage preparation and paperwork can be completed in time. You will also need to attend a Marriage Preparation Course. For full details of the next Course and how to register, please click here

Children's Liturgy of the Word

This takes place during the 10am Family Mass on Sundays (school term-time only). During the liturgy, aimed at kids aged 4-7 years old, a 'children-friendly' version of the Gospel is read, commented and backed by a practical activity to help the little ones familiarise with catechesis.

'Launchpad'

Launchpad is a preparatory course for children to attend the year before they begin their First Holy Communion catechism. It is aimed at 6-7 years olds, (Year 2 of the National School Curriculum), who do not attend catholic schools. The group meets every other Sunday during school terms and follows the same dates as the First Holy Communion catechism sessions. The course begins each year in the Autumn and runs the same schedule as the FHC classes. Forms are available at the back of church and can be downloaded here. Applications are now closed for the 2012-2013 year