Sacraments

Growing in our knowledge of God is part of being a Christian.  There are many opportunities to do this through the Catholic Church. 

Children and Infant Baptisms

All children are welcomed into the Parish of St Joseph’s.  Baptism automatically recognises children as adopted children of God and heirs to the Kingdom. 

Having your children baptised is an important step and it needs to be thought about carefully.  You, as parents, are undertaking to bring up your children to know and to practise the faith of the Holy Catholic Church.  As parents, you have given life to your child, but birth is only the beginning. Your child still depends upon you for everything, for food, for clothes and for a loving home in which to grow.  This is equally true of the Christian life.  Baptism is only the beginning.  Parents are the most important teachers and the home is the primary learning environment. 

In order to have your child baptised at St Joseph’s, you will need to complete a Baptism Registration form.  They can be downloaded from the website, or you can collect one from the church porch.  Please read through this carefully and provide everything asked for.  You will also need to attend a Baptism Preparation Class, which are run the first Saturday of every month.  At the end of the class, you can discuss dates for the Baptism. 

Copies of Baptism Certificates

If you would like a copy of a Baptism Certificate, please click here and submit your request. There is a charge of £10 per duplicate copy.  Once we receive your request we will verify the details with our records and either contact you for more information or let you know that your certificate is ready to collect.

RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the liturgical and catechetical process designed for adults attracted by Christ and his teaching.  It supports them as they seek to respond more deeply and to enter into the Communion of the Church.

​Please speak to our Parish Priest or visit the RCIA website for more information.

Confession

We hold confession at the Parish on the first Saturday of every month.

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are the second and third of seven sacraments received.  They occur after receiving baptism and once the person has reached the age of reason – around ages 7-8 (usually year 3 in Primary school).  At this age, children should understand the difference between right and wrong and are capable of taking responsibility for their own actions. 

​It is really important that children are properly prepared.  By making their First Confession prior to receiving First Holy Communion they are fully prepared for this.  First Holy Communion should be a memorable and joyful day.  One to remember for the rest of our lives.

​The Programme

We will announce when Registration for our next First Holy Communion Programme begins in our newsletter, so please take a look weekly. is now open.  Please click here to complete a registration form.  You will also be required to upload a copy of your child’s baptism certificate.  

Although the programme is run by a team of catechists, it is a partnership between home, school and parish.  Think of it as a triangle.  Each side supports the other.

All documentation will be available in a secure area of the website.  Parents and Carers of children on the programme will be given a password to access this secure area.