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Sacraments

Celebrating Life’s Sacred Spiritual Milestones

Baptism

Confession

Confirmation

First Holy Communion

Weddings

Funeral

Baptisms

The Sacrament of Baptism serves as the first sacrament one receives when entering the Catholic faith. Baptism, along with Confirmation and Eucharist, is one of three Sacraments of Initiation, which means that the Baptised receive an indelible spiritual mark, making them forever a part of the Body of Christ, the Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that, ‘through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God, we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission…’ (CCC 1213). The Catechism goes on to say that, ‘Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments,’ (CCC 1213).

To organise the Baptism of your child please contact the parish office at stjosephsglasthule@gmail.com.  Baptisms take place in St. Joseph’s Church on the first Saturday of the month at 11.30am. You will be required to complete a Baptism request form and provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate at least one month in advance of the date you have chosen.

Confessions

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or the Sacrament of Penance, is the Catholic sacrament wherein the faithful are absolved of their sins by confessing their sins to a priest and, through the power of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the person who confesses is granted absolution and healing from their sins.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that, ‘those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offence committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins…’ (CCC 1422). “It is thanks to the medicine of Confession that the experience of sin does not degenerate into despair,” – Pope John Paul II.

There are no fixed times for Confession in St. Joseph’s Church.  If you wish your confession to be heard, please ask the Priest before or after Mass and he will be happy to hear your confession.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the spiritual equivalent to the physical growth we experience from childhood into adulthood. It “strengthens the baptised and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ,” by spreading and defending the Faith as mature Christians (Canon Law 879).

Like the Sacrament of Baptism, ‘Confirmation is only given once, for it, too, imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark … which is a sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with a seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high,’ (CCC 1304) so that one has the power to ‘profess faith in Christ publicly and, as it were, officially,’ (CCC 1305).

Confirmation is ‘the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost,’ where those who are confirmed receive an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1302).

Confirmation, along with Eucharist and Baptism, is one of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation. As such, “Confirmation is necessary for the completion of Baptismal grace,” (CCC 1285).

Parents, the Parish Primary School and the Parish team work together in preparing the children for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Parents are invited to enrol their children and accompany them in the preparation programme here.

If you and your family are parishioners of St. Joseph’s and your child is not attending our Parish Primary School, please contact the Parish Office. We will be happy to hear from you.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in the life of a Roman Catholic. It is the first time that a person receives the Eucharist, by the eating of consecrated bread and the drinking of consecrated wine. Most Catholic children receive their First Holy Communion when they are 7 to 8 years old, as this is considered the age of reason.

Parents are invited to register their children for the Sacraments of First Confession and First Holy Communion here. The preparation of children receiving these Sacraments is made up of many parts of their lives coming together – community, home, school and parish.  We work together using the sacramental programme “Do This in Memory of Me” to help each child understand their faith journey.

Weddings

Wedding Arrangements Guide

Key Websites:

Essential Steps:

  1. Booking the Church:
    • Contact the Parish Office and the priest in your area as early as possible.
  2. Legal Requirements:
    • Notify the State of your intention to marry at least three months in advance (Family Law Act 1995).
    • Check for any recent legislative changes with the local Registrar.
  3. Pre-Marriage Course:
  4. Church Documents (within six months of the wedding):
    • Current baptism certificate (from the Church of Baptism).
    • Confirmation certificate.
    • Letter of Freedom from every place lived for over six months since age 16.
    • Arrange a meeting with your local priest to complete a Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form.
  5. Liturgy Planning:
    • Consider purchasing ‘A Wedding of Your Own’ by Padraig McCarthy or ‘Wedding Liturgies’ by Flor McCarthy for guidance on readings, rites, and prayers.
    • Involve both families in choosing readings and prayers.
  6. Papal Blessing:
    • Order through Veritas with a letter from your priest.
  7. Marrying in Rome:
  8. Additional Resources:
    • ‘Getting Married’ website (GettingMarried.ie) for detailed information.
    • Downloadable checklists for marriages abroad and within Ireland.

Funeral

Guidance for Planning a Funeral Liturgy

The Church respectfully encourages your active participation in organizing the funeral liturgy of your loved one. This sacred ceremony is a tribute to their life of faith, a moment to entrust them to the Lord, and an occasion for solace and prayer for the bereaved.

Essential Steps in Liturgy Planning:

  1. Selecting Participants:
  • Choose family members or friends for readings, psalm recitation, and intercessory prayers.
    • Provide the celebrant priest with biographical details of the departed to aid in preparing the homily.
  2. Choosing Readings:
    • Select one or two readings from the “Funeral Mass Preparation Booklet” or other sources. If two readings are chosen, consider different readers for each.
  3. Responsorial Psalm:
    • Pick a suitable psalm from the booklet or other sources, keeping in mind the possibility of a sung response.
  4. General Intercessions:
    • Compose or select prayers that encompass the deceased, their family, all who mourn, and the broader community. These should be read by family members.
  5. Presentation of Gifts:
    • Assign family members or friends to bring bread and wine to the altar, avoiding personal memorabilia during this segment.
  6. Hymns and Music:
    • Choose hymns that reflect our belief in resurrection, typically sung during Sunday Mass. Refrain from using secular songs.
  7. Eulogy Considerations:
    • If included, ensure the eulogy is brief (max 5 minutes), delivered by someone close to the deceased, and focuses on tribute and gratitude. It should occur post-communion, before the final commendation.

Post-Funeral Arrangements:

  • Memorial Mass: A traditional service, known as Month’s Mind, is often held weeks after the funeral for prayerful remembrance and hope in resurrection.
  • Support Groups: Consider groups like Bethany Bereavement, Rainbow Ireland, and the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association for support and counseling.