Sacraments

Baptism is seen as the sacrament of admission to the faith, bringing sanctifying grace to the person being baptised. In Catholicism the baptism of infants is the most common form, but unbaptised children or adults who wish to join the faith must also receive the sacrament. A person is to be baptised only once in their life, and the Catholic Church recognises baptisms done by most other Christian denominations as valid. In the rite of baptism holy water is usually sprinkled or poured on the head by a priest who simultaneously invokes the Trinity with the words, “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The old self is said to die in the waters, and a new self emerges, mirroring the death and resurrection of Christ. In an emergency anyone, even non-baptised persons, can baptise someone as the situation requires.
A Preparation Course will be arranged by the Parish Priest / Deacon for any adult wishing to be Baptised.

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The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is another sacrament of initiation and can be received daily if desired. It is the central rite of Catholic worship. A baptised child’s First Communion is usually celebrated around age seven or eight and is preceded by their first confession (the sacrament of Reconciliation). During the Mass the priest consecrates bread and wine, the elements of the Eucharist, which are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. As a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and in a reflection of his Last Supper with his disciples, the congregation then shares in the sacred meal. Special lay ministers (i.e., non-priests) are trained to bring the consecrated elements to the ill or otherwise homebound so that all Catholics can participate

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Confirmation is the third sacrament of initiation and serves to “confirm” a baptised person in their faith. The rite of confirmation can occur as early as age 7 for children who were baptised as infants but is commonly received around age 13; it is performed immediately after baptism for adult converts. A bishop or priest normally performs the rite, which includes the laying on of hands in prayer and blessing and the anointing of the forehead with chrism (holy oil) with the words, ”Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” In so “sealing” that person as a member of the church, the outward rite of confirmation signifies the inner presence of the Holy Spirit, who is believed to provide the strength to live out a life of faith. At confirmation a Catholic may symbolically take the name of a saint to be his or her patron.

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Also known as Confession or Penance, the sacrament of Reconciliation is seen as an opportunity for renewal and can be accessed as often as needed. Some Catholics participate weekly before receiving the Eucharist, whereas others may seek the sacrament only during the penitential seasons of Lent or Advent. Reconciliation is a means of obtaining pardon from God for sins for which the sinner is truly remorseful, and brings the sinner back into communion with God and the Church. The sacrament is an opportunity for self-reflection and requires that the person take full responsibility for his or her sins, both those in thought and in action. During the rite, sins are recounted privately to a priest, who is seen as a healer aiding the process, and the priest commonly assigns acts of penance, such as specific prayers or acts of restitution, to complete in the following days. A prayer of contrition is offered at the end of the confession, and the newly absolved Catholic is urged to refrain from repeating those sins.

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Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction, is a sacrament that is administered to give strength and comfort to the ill and to mystically unite their suffering with that of Christ during his Passion and death. This sacrament can be given to those who are afflicted with serious illness or injury, those who are awaiting surgery, the weakened elderly, or to ill children who are old enough to understand its significance. A person can receive the sacrament as many times as needed throughout their life, and a person with a chronic illness might be anointed again if the disease worsens. The rite can be performed in a home or hospital by a priest, who prays over the person and anoints their head and hands with chrism (holy oil). The priest may also administer the sacrament of the Eucharist if the person has been unable to receive it and can hear a confession if so desired. If a person is at the point of death, the priest also administers a special Apostolic blessing in what is known as the Last Rites.

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ANOINTING OF THE SICK AT ST.JOHN’S

We wish to inform the parish as a whole that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for the following: those who are sick, those facing surgery, those with disease or illness, the aged and those who needs God’s healing presence in other areas of their lives.

In this Sacrament spiritual and physical strength is given to pass through the suffering of illness.  It is available to anyone who is sick and can be administered at home or in hospital.  If you are aware of any parishioner who is unable to get to Church or is in hospital please let us know so that they can be visited and receive Holy Communion.  Either contact us here or complete a sick request form.

If you or a loved one is seriously sick contact us via the emergency sick number 0191 – 2500200  and a priest will be with you ASAP.

Ordination, or Holy Orders, is a sacrament that is available only to men who are being ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops.
As with Baptism and Confirmation, the sacrament is said to convey a special indelible “character” on the soul of the recipient.
During the rite, which typically occurs during a special Sunday Mass, a prayer and blessing is offered as a bishop lays his hands on the head of the man being ordained. In the case of the ordination of priests and bishops, this act confers the sacramental power to ordain (for bishops), baptise, confirm, witness marriages, absolve sins, and consecrate the Eucharist.
Deacons can baptise, witness marriages, preach, and assist during the Mass, but they cannot consecrate the Eucharist or hear confessions.
With the exception of married deacons, an order restored by the Second Vatican Council, all ordained men are to be celibate

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A Catholic marriage is a sacrament in which a baptised man and a baptised woman administer to each other through their marriage vows and lifelong partnership. The Sacrament of a Catholic marriage reflects the union of Christ with the church as his mystical body. The permanence of the marriage union is understood to be indissoluble. The rite commonly takes place during a Mass, with a priest serving as the minister of the mass and as a witness to the mutual consent of the couple. The marriage union is used to sanctify both the husband and wife by drawing them into a deeper understanding of God’s love and is intended to be fruitful, with any children to be raised within the teachings of the church.

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