Baptism
“Request for Infant Baptism” forms are available at the back of each church. Forms should be completed and returned to the Father Andrew after any of the Saturday/Sunday Masses. Once he has seen you and countersigned the form, the parish administrator will be in touch with you to arrange your baptismal preparation course and a date, time and venue for your child’s Baptism.
The Baptism Preparation Course takes place in the Parish Hall at Corpus Christi Church three times a year (January, May and September).
Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation is available before the Wednesday evening Mass, the Vigil Masses on Saturdays, after Masses and on request at St. Mary’s Presbytery.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Parents/carers of children who are in Year 3 or older may wish to enrol on the preparation programme which runs from September to June each year. Registration usually begins in June/July and an announcement will be made in the bulletin when forms are available.
Confirmation
The Confirmation programme runs every two years and is open to everyone in Year 9 or older. An announcement will be made in the bulletin when registration forms are available.
For further information, visit our Youth page.
Marriage Preparation
God the Father has created marriage as a mutual and exclusive covenant between one man and one woman, by which they establish between themselves a loving and intimate partnership of their whole life, which of its own nature is ordered both to the well-being of the spouses themselves and to the procreation and education of children. It is a true vocation entered into for life, for what God has joined together no one can put asunder. Our Lord Jesus Christ has raised marriage between two baptised people to the dignity of a sacrament. The Church welcomes with joy those who wish to marry in accordance with her teaching. At the same time, the Church is aware of the many pressures of modern life which can endanger their commitment, their relationship and their family life. She is constantly concerned to help those who wish to marry to be prepared as fully as they can be to make this loving and lifelong commitment. For this reason:
- A couple who wish to marry should speak Fr Andrew at least six months before their proposed wedding date, and should not make any other arrangements concerning their wedding until they have spoken to him.
- Fr Andrew is responsible for preparing couples for marriage, and all those preparing for marriage meet him and take part in a marriage preparation course run by Marriage Care.
- Any marriage involving a Catholic should be celebrated in their parish church. With the permission of their parish priest, the marriage may be celebrated in another parish. A marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic may only be celebrated in a non-Catholic church with a dispensation, which will only be granted for a serious reason.
All couples preparing for marriage need and are entitled to receive the support of the Church, so that they will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit as they prepare for, celebrate, and live out the commitment which they will make at their wedding. The Church thanks all those married people who show great constancy and faithfulness in their vocation, and prays that their example may inspire all who are preparing to marry.
Sacrament of the sick (Anointing of the Sick)
Provided that it is safe and legal to do so, Father Andrew will always see parishioners in the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, other care settings, their own homes or St Mary’s Presbytery if they are seriously ill, or due to be admitted to hospital, and would like to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, but other regular pastoral visits are currently suspended. You should not wait until someone’s death is imminent before contacting Father Andrew, lest there be hurt or embarrassment because he is simply unable to visit someone who is sick or dying in good time. If you or a relative are in hospital, please ask a nurse to ask switchboard to contact the Catholic chaplain; if you or a relative are in other care settings, please ask a member of staff to contact the parish office (01472 342301; office@holytrinitygci.uk); if you or a relative are at home, please contact the parish office. We need to keep a record of all such visits in case details are required by NHS Test and Trace. Thank you for your cooperation, which keeps us all safe.
Services – throughout the year several services are held for the sick and housebound. If you would like to attend, contact the parish office for more information.