Sacraments of Initiation and Welcome

Baptism (see also RCIA)

Baptisms are usually celebrated on Sundays either at St. Joseph’s at 11.15 a.m. or St. Edmund’s at 12.30 p.m. A ‘Welcoming Rite’ takes place during a Sunday Mass at which the parents present their child to the parish community and they in turn promise to pray and support the family. A Baptism preparation course of two evenings is offered to the parents after meeting with one of the priests.

Contact: The Parish Office

When does it happen? - Preparation 3 times a year

Where does it happen? - St. Edmund’s Hall

How much time does it take? - 2 x 1 hour sessions

Communion (Eucharist - see also RCIA)

Children are prepared for their first Holy Communion and Reconciliation (Confession) within the parish and the programme begins in the autumn each year. Children should be at least 7 years old on 1st September in the year of enrolment.

Parents, the first educators of their children in the ways of faith attend a special session for parents. The First Holy Communion Mass is celebrated in Eastertide close to Pentecost.

Contact: The Parish Office

When does it happen? - Preparation on Saturday mornings October-May

Where does it happen? - St. Edmund’s Hall

How much time does it take? 8-10 1 1/2 hour sessions

Confirmation (see also RCIA)

The parishes of the Pastoral Area, St Boniface, Holy Family, St. Vincent de Paul and our parish run confirmation preparation jointly. It is offered to young people in Year 9 of Secondary School (13-14yrs). The preparation is led by a team of catechists and helpers from the parishes and consists of group meetings for the candidates and parents, special celebrations at Mass, a weekend retreat and a reconciliation service. The Bishop celebrates confirmation, close to Pentecost, here in Southampton.

Contact: The Parish Office

When does it happen? - Preparation on Sunday afternoons, October-June

Where does it happen? - St. Edmund’s Hall

How much time does it take? - 15 sessions, 2hrs per session

Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA)

For adults wishing to join the Catholic Church or who would like to find out more, RCIA is the process by which they can do this. Becoming a Catholic is not just a matter of learning and accepting a number of beliefs, it involves personal growth in faith.

RCIA is a faith-sharing group, including catechists and sponsors, which meets during term time to support and inform interested adult “enquirers”. Anyone is welcome to come to these evening sessions without making any sort of commitment.

Those who want to enquire more seriously into becoming a Catholic are offered a sponsor. A sponsor is not there to persuade, but someone who can travel with an enquirer on their journey in faith. Reception takes place at the Easter Vigil and baptism is by full immersion.

Contact: Marina Joyce

When does it happen? - Preparation on Thursday evenings (term time)

Where does it happen? - St. Edmund’s Hall

How much time does it take? - About 2hrs per session

Sacraments of Life and Vocation

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament by which men are consecrated to the ordained ministry of the Church as bishops, priests and deacons. Bishop Crispian Hollis is our Bishop, the Cathedral is in Portsmouth. Over the years many men have been ordained to the priesthood in St. Edmund’s. Currently, Paul Leonard, a Student in Oscott is based at St. Edmund’s during holidays. For more information, please talk with Fr John.

Contact: Fr Gerard Flynn Tel: 01983 522027 or email: the address is 'gerarddominic(at)waitrose.com' [replace (at) with @]

Marriage

Couples are requested to give at least six months notice and to meet with one of the priests. They are required to take part in a Marriage Preparation Programme.This applies to all proposed marriages regardless of where the wedding will take place. Preparation is also offered to couples due to marry outside the parish.

Contact: Wilma Boddeke

When does it happen? - Preparation 3 times a year

Where does it happen? - St. Edmund’s Hall

How much time does it take? - 3 sessions, 2hrs per session or a day session at Ashurst

Sacraments of Healing and Strength

Sacrament of the Sick

Please contact one of the Priests as soon as possible if you or one of your household is ill or has become housebound. The Eucharistic Ministers are pleased to visit your home to share God’s Word and Holy Communion.

If you are going in to hospital, please remember to inform the hospital staff that you are Catholic and would like to see the chaplain. In any emergency, always phone the presbytery.

Contact: Fr John O’Shea or Fr Gerry Onyejuluke