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One of the great achievements of Vatican II was
the giving of the Church back to the people.
The Laity now see the duty of
spreading the faith as their own and not exclusively the role of priests,
religious and teachers in school.
In our Parish lay people are involved in
many activities formerly seen to be the domain of the clergy. One of these
activities is in Sacramental Preparation.
The activity of Catechists in the Parish is a
response to Christ's command to spread the Word of God throughout the world.
Catechists are not simply helping the priest in doing this work but are carrying
out ministries, which receive direct authority from Christ, himself.
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Baptism of Children
When a
parent or parents want a baby or small child baptised they contact a catechist
who will inform them of the next date for the Baptism Preparation Course.
At
least one of the parents will be required to come along to three sessions held
on Thursday nights.
The course covers such topics as what baptism is, and why
we baptise, as well as exploring ways in which we can nurture the faith in our
children.
Each evening ends with a liturgy.
On the third evening the
course ends with arranging the baptismal dates.
The catechists are on hand
to offer support on the day of baptism, and to prepare the parish register and
liturgy.
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Baptism of Adults and Reception into Church
Enquiries about the Catholic Faith
If you would like to know more about the Catholic Faith you may be interested
in a scheme specially designed to provide both teaching and support within the
local Catholic community. It introduces people to local Catholics and provides
an opportunity to learn without commitment. If, after a time, you decide you
would like to become a Catholic, the scheme provides a framework for fellowship,
preparation and initiation.
This scheme is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA for
short) and is an ongoing process designed to welcome new members into the
Church. The original scheme dates back to the first few centuries of the
Church's history. It was re-instated by the Catholic Church following Vatican II
in the 60's. Since the scheme is designed to involve the whole Catholic
community it helps to lead every parishioner to deeper belief and renewal of his
or her faith.
Adults who come forward for baptism or baptised adults who would like to be
received into the Catholic Church are asked to join the R.C.I.A (Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults) series of instruction and exploration.
The
Rite is based on the rites of initiation from the early Church.
The first
rite is the Rite of Catechumens in which the candidate commits to learn more
about Christ and the faith.
At the beginning of Lent the Rite of Election
takes place during which the candidate is chosen by the Parish to begin a period
of prayer and preparation which culminates in full entry or baptism during the
Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.
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Holy Communion
In the past the
preparation for Holy Communion was taken care of by the primary School. Now the
Parish is fully responsible for this work.
The parents come along with their
children and are given instruction and exploration in group and plenary
sessions.
Special Sunday masses are held for those preparing for this
sacrament.
Any baptised Catholic child that will be 9 years old and above before August
31st 2004 are due to make their First Holy communion on June 20th at St.
Anne's and June 27th at St. Joseph's. There will be a meeting for all parents on
Tuesday 6th January at 7:00p.m. at St Anne's. Forms will be handed out at this
meeting, which you will be asked to take home and after discussion with your
child whether they want to make their First Holy communion, both child and
parents must sign and return to Father Keith. If your child live within the
parish boundary of St. Anne's and St. Joseph's but goes to to another school
apart from St. Joseph's RC Primary School, Blaydon or if your child lives
outside the parish boundaries but regularly worships at either St. Anne's or St.
Joseph's please let Father Keith know as soon as possible so that we have some
idea about the number of books to order.
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Reconciliation
As part of the course
for Eucharist children learn about the sacrament of Reconciliation and receive
this sacrament for the first time some weeks before their first Holy Communion.
Confirmation
Like Holy Communion
preparation those children who choose to be confirmed and apply in writing are
invited to come to specially arranged group sessions to learn about how the Holy
Spirit can work in their lives.
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Matrimony
At present marriage preparation
course is now lead by married couples
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