Sacraments
Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
Sacraments and Rituals
The reception of a Sacrament is a most important moment in the life of a member of the Church community, and careful preparation should be made. St Peter and the Guardian Angels Church offers a time of preparation for those who are to receive sacraments, to enable them to enter more fully into these great mysteries of our faith.
Baptism
Parents who wish to have their child baptised should contact the Priest. The Priest will arrange to see parents, during which he will discuss the significance of Baptism and the role the Parents/Guardians will be expected to fulfil in raising their child as a Christian in the Catholic tradition.
First Holy Communion
The course for children in the parish aged between 8 and 10 begins in September every year. Details of how to apply are announced at Masses, and available in the parish newsletter in the early summer. First Holy Communion takes place in May of the following year. Children are eligible provided they have been baptised and should be attending Sunday mass regularly. Catechists prepare the children in weekly sessions that take place in the Newman room on Saturdays at 10.00am beginning in September. At least one parent must be a baptised Catholic
Confirmation
Every other year young people from our parish are invited to enrol for preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates need to be in year 10 of secondary school or older. The invitation is publicised at Mass and in the newsletter. The Bishop usually comes to administer the sacrament in the summer.
Adults who are not confirmed should make themselves known to the priest. There is a separate adult preparation programme.
Marriage
St. Peter and the Guardian Angels is a registered place of marriage. If you are thinking of getting married in St. Peter and the Guardian Angels, please get in touch with the Priest in good time (at least 6 months before*) to get paperwork, marriage classes and other arrangements sorted out. You can find more information on Marriage and Family Life in Southwark Archdiocese HERE
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacarement of Reconciliation also known as Confession is available every Saturday 5.30pm to 5.50pm and at call. An appointment can be made to see the priest (rotherhithe@rcaos.org.uk) if the published time is not convenient.
Sin damages our relationship with God and with the Church. It is this sacrament that reconciles us once again
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing. The emphasis of this sacrament has changed somewhat in the past 50 years. Immediately before that time the sacrament had in practice become reserved for those who were dying. Hence it was called Extreme Unction, meaning “last anointing”. In recent times this sacrament has been given a more central place in the life of the Church. Anointing strengthens and heals us in the course of our journey of life and not just at the moment of death. For those who are close to death it is appropriate to request the priest to give the “last rites” which includes the sacrament of Anointing.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults are introduced to the Catholic faith and way of life. This programme is run every year
For more information contact the Parish Priest or email rotherhithe@rcaos.org.uk
Funerals
When a loved one dies the Parish Priest can be contacted by family, friends or the funeral directors to arrange a Requiem Mass at the church. A meeting with family will be offered at the soonest possible opportunity in order to discuss the requirements for the service. Where no Mass is requested the priest will travel to the crematorium or cemetery to conduct a service.