Sacraments

Mass, confession and information about preparation for the Sacraments of the Church.

Sacraments

Click on any sacrament below to view the full details in a popup window.

Baptism Please contact the priest to arrange your child’s Baptism and the preparation meeting. First Holy Communion Preparation for parish children aged 8–10 begins each September. Confirmation Young people in Year 10 or above can join the preparation programme when offered. Marriage Please contact the priest at least six months before your proposed wedding. Sacrament of Reconciliation Confession is available on Saturdays; an appointment can also be arranged. Anointing of the Sick A sacrament of healing for those who are seriously ill or affected by advanced age. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) An annual introduction to the Catholic faith for adults and interested parishioners. Funerals Contact the parish priest to arrange a Requiem Mass or funeral service.

For more information contact the Parish Priest or email rotherhithe@rcaos.org.uk.

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)

MASS TIMES SUPPORT US

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.

Those who have a serious illness may receive the sacrament of Anointing. It is not appropriate to receive this sacrament for minor ailments. If in doubt you may ask the priest to help you decide. This sacrament may also be received by those who are elderly if the advancement of years is significantly affecting their quality of life. This is considered by the Church to be a good reason for receiving the strength and grace that the sacrament of Anointing bestows.

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

It is for:

those want to prepare for Baptism;
those who wish to be confirmed as adults;
those who are already baptised in another Christian community but wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church;
members of our Parish who wish to learn more about their Faith

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.

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72 Paradise Street, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4QD

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rotherhithe@rcaos.org.uk

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