The Sacraments
Important deadline coming Up - the First Holy Communion and Confirmation Applications need to be in by the end of October 2022. Scroll down to learn more.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process in which adults become full, participating members of the Catholic Church. Participants, known as catechumens, go through a process of studying the Gospel, nurturing their relationship with God, becoming familiar with the Catholic teachings and practices, professing their faith in Jesus and the Church, and receiving the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation (usually during our Easter celebrations).
If you would like to know more, please contact the Parish Office.
Baptism
In the Sacrament of Baptism we become Children of God and members of the Church.
We receive the Holy Spirit for the first time.
You probably do not remember this special day as most of us were baptised as infants. Nevertheless, It is a really special day in our lives.
Parents, we welcome you with great joy. It is your wish that your child should be baptised into the Faith of the Church. We welcome your decision and our task is to support and prepare you for the celebration of the Baptism of your child. Like most parishes, we have a Baptism Preparation Team who will help you to understand the meaning of Baptism and your role in nurturing the faith-life of your child. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office.
You will need to attend 2 evenings of the Baptism Preparation course. Details from the Parish Office.
(Blue Registration Forms can be collected at Mass or can be emailed)
Baptisms are held on 2nd & 3rd weekends of the month. Normally at 12.15pm on Sundays
The Sacrament of the Eucharist relates to the Last Supper when Jesus presented bread and wine to His disciples to eat and drink as His body and blood.
First Holy Communion Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ when we receive Jesus Himself in Holy Communion.
Parents who may not be familiar with Jesus and the Church are encouraged to discover more, in a relaxed atmosphere, by joining in the amazing Alpha courses or RCIA Courses.
We are looking forward immensely to the celebration of your child’s First Holy Communion in May or June 2023 (our schedule of dates is currently being prepared).
We ask you complete and return by the end of October please. The FHC course will start in January 2023 and completes in June. Full details and the schedule of dates will be sent to you in November.
First Holy Commmunion
Confirmation
This Sacrament called Confirmation seals us with the Gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthens us as followers of Jesus.
Confirmation is usually received at Secondary School age. However, it is very special when adults receive the sacrament of Confirmation witnessed by St Joseph's very supporting and lovely congregation.
On behalf of the team, welcome to RUAH – the Confirmation programme at St. Joseph’s, which includes the parishes of Tadley and Burghfield Common. This programme is open to those in Y9 or above. Please apply by downloading the application form below and sending it to the parish office by end of October, so that we can get started in January.
The programme this year will be a mix of online learning and in-person sessions. The online learning will ensure that all candidates have access to a basic understanding of the Catholic faith, the sacrament of Confirmation and the commitment which they are undertaking.
In-person meetings (about 2 per month on a Friday evening) will help us to build a sense of community, begin the important practice of prayer in preparation for the sacrament and answer any questions that you may have about the topic or our faith in general.
We will also meet to spend some time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to provide the opportunity for Reconciliation, which is necessary before receiving any sacrament. In addition, the mentoring team, led by Alberto Cacace, will offer one-to-one sessions to help candidates develop their faith and prayer life.
The Confirmation ceremony itself will most likely be held during the Easter season. We will keep you updated as we have more information regarding the date and location of the ceremony.
Confession
In this sacrament, God forgives our sins. We tell our sins to the priest and we are given God's forgiveness and peace.
Confession can be arranged through the Parish Office.
Confession
Marriage
Marriage
Often called Matrimony, in this sacrament the man and a woman become husband and wife.
They promise to love and be faithful to one another always.
Annointing of the Sick
This is the sacrament for those who are sick or in danger of death.
The priest prays that they may be healed in body, mind and spirit.
Annointing of the Sick
Ordination
Ordination
In this sacrament, a man becomes a bishop, priest or deacon.
