Celebrating the Sacraments in our Parish

In addition to the regular celebrations of the Mass (Eucharist, Holy Communion), at our parish we celebrate the Sacraments of ...

Baptism

Through the pouring on of water and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Sacrament of Baptism (Christening) brings a child or adult into the life of God's family, the Church. It is the first step in living the Catholic-Christian faith.

If you would like your child baptised at Our Lady's, please fill in the information form and speak to one of the parish team when you come to church.

If you are an adult interested in being baptised, you are invited to enrol in the formation programme known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Eucharist
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During the celebration of the Mass (Eucharist, Holy Communion), we are invited to receive from the altar the bread and the wine that by the power of the Holy Spirit has become the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus, which gives us strength to live the Christian life and unites us to God and one another.

Mass is celebrated most days in our parish, with the Saturday Evening/Sunday celebrations being most imporant.

Children aged 7 and over are invited to enrol in the parish's preparation programme for First Holy Communion.

Confirmation

In the Sacrament of Confirmation the Holy Spirit is sealed upon us in a particular way, helping us to undertake mature Christian service of God and neighbour.

Confirmation for young people aged 14 and over (School Years 9 and above) begins each New Year and is normally celebrated around the time of Pentecost (June), or when the bishop is available, following a programme of formation.

If you are an adult from another Christian denomination interested in being confirmed as a Catholic, you will normally need to enrol in the RCIA programme.

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) reminds us of the love and forgiveness that God extends to us through the death and resurrection of Christ, experienced through the ministry of the Church.

Father Tony is available to hear confessions every Sunday 4.15-4.45pm (before the 5pm Mass) or anytime on request. He can be contacted for an appointment via the Parish Office.

Additionally, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is normally celebrated by a number of York priests in one venue (usually St. Wilfrid's Church) on a Saturday during the seasons of Advent and Lent; check the parish newsletter for times.

Marriage

The Sacrament of Marriage is a reflection of the bond that exists between Jesus Christ and his Church.

Marriage preparation happens in conjunction with Fr. Tony or Deacon Peter and is tailored to the needs of the couple. Please speak to Fr. Tony or Deacon Peter if you are planning to get married (they can be reached via the Parish Office).

Sacrament of the Sick

In his letter, St. James says, "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" (James 5:14–15).

We celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick at Our Lady's Church on the first Friday of each month during a 1pm celebration of the Eucharist.

Father Tony is also available to administer the Sacrament of the Sick when visiting the sick in homes, hospitals, or hospices. To arrange this please contact him via the Parish Office.

The parish will offer what help it can with regard to dying, funerals, and bereavement.

Ordination to Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Ordination to Holy Orders (diaconate or priesthood) is rarely celebrated in the parish, and then only after years of study and formation. If you feel God may be calling you to be a permanent deacon or priest, or to the religious life, you can discuss the matter with Father Tony, with Deacon Peter, or with the Diocesan Vocations Director. You can also find resources from the National Office for Vocation.