The Sacraments
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the most beautiful thing that happens in someone's life. When someone is baptised, God the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are named.
What you will need
- A request for Baptism is confirmed only when the application form is completed at the Parish Office.
- A copy of the child's Birth Certificate is necessary to prove identity.
- Godparents must be a minimum of sixteen years of age.
- Parents are asked to provide a new Baptismal candle for each child.
- Where a Baptism is transferred from a different parish, a letter of permission from the Parish Priest of that parish is necessary.
A minimum of four weeks' notice is required for Baptisms.
Reconciliation (Confession)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can receive forgiveness.
“Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.'” (John 20:21–23)
Preparation
Before going to confession, the penitent compares his or her life with the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the example of Christ, asking the Holy Spirit to show them their own particular sins.
Examen for Adults · Examen for Older Kids · Examen for Younger Kids
Going to Confession
Begin by making the Sign of the Cross with the priest and say: “Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been (state how long) since my last confession. These are my sins.”
Tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest. When you are finished say: “I am sorry for these sins and all the sins I cannot remember.”
Listen to the priest and accept the penance from him. Pray the Act of Contrition. Receive absolution. The priest will then conclude with the words: “Go in Peace.” You respond: “Thanks be to God.”
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
Holy Communion
Until the thirteenth century, the usual practice was for infants and children to receive First Communion immediately after baptism. This practice in the Western Church generally died out by the thirteenth century, and the Eucharist was given only to those who had reached the age of discretion and had gone to confession.
First Holy Communion is most often celebrated by children around the age of seven or eight, when they have reached the age of reason and are capable of participating in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
To be eligible to receive First Holy Communion, children will need to register for the Parish Programme. If the church is a different church from the one in which the child was baptised, you will need to provide the baptismal certificate.
To share in Communion for the first time children must have “sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity” (Code of Canon Law 913). They must also be able to receive communion “with faith and devotion” (Code of Canon Law 913).
“Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1457).
Children and their parents are expected to attend Mass frequently (weekly). Children are expected to attend all preparation classes and complete all course work.
First Holy Communion resources
Come to the Table of the Lord (1/3) · Worksheet 1-2
Resource from www.icatholic.ie.
Confirmation
Confirmation, like Baptism and the Eucharist, is one of the three sacraments of initiation of the Catholic Church. As the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples who were gathered in the upper room, Confirmation strengthens the baptised with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Who can receive
Any baptised Catholic wishing to advance on the path of developing their faith. For young people, this is usually part of the 5th/6th class primary school programme. For adults who were not confirmed as children, please contact the Parish Office.
Sponsor
A sponsor stands behind the candidate for Confirmation at the Confirmation ceremony and places their hand on the shoulder of the candidate as a sign that they will support them in living out their baptismal promises.
A person qualifies as a sponsor by being a reasonably mature adult, who is at least 16 years old, and has already received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
Name
The tradition of taking a new name at Confirmation emphasises the new identity of a Christian being called to witness to their faith. People are encouraged to take the name of a saint or a person from Scripture.
Oil
The oil used is called the Oil of Chrism. It is olive oil mixed with balsam that is blessed by the bishop and priests of the diocese in the Cathedral at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday.
Anointing of the Sick
When we are sick or dying we must face the fact of our mortality. In this time of difficulty Jesus does not abandon us.
The parish wish to offer every possible support to you or your loved one who is ill. The Sacraments of Holy Communion, Confession and Anointing of the Sick are a wonderful source of grace and healing.
The sacrament calls upon God's healing and loving presence. It brings comfort, peace and courage.
If you wish a priest to visit, please contact the parish office or the priests directly.
Lay Ministers of the Eucharist are also available to distribute Holy Communion to the sick on Sundays.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a prayerful celebration for someone or for a group of people who are ill and are blessed by the priest with Holy Oil.
Marriage
The man and woman confer the Sacrament of Marriage upon each other when they express their consent to marry before God and the Church. Jesus taught that marriage is indissoluble: “Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Matthew 19:6).
There are a number of requirements of both the Church and the State that must be satisfied when proposing to get married in church. Firstly, you must contact a priest of the parish or the Parish Office to discuss the date of your wedding and make sure that the church is available.
Civil Registration Office, Letterkenny, Tirconnaill House, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Opening hours: 09.15–16.30 Monday to Friday, open Thursday until 19.30. Telephone: +353 74 912 3771.
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Sacrament of Holy Orders as “the sacrament of apostolic ministry.”