Sacred Heart Morriston at School Road, Morriston, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA6 6HZ UK - Sacramental Policy in Morriston

PLEASE NOTE:  The WRITTEN permission of Father Michael, the Parish Priest is required if any parishioner wishes to receive Baptism, First Communion and Reconciliation, Confirmation or Marriage outside the Parish Church of Sacred Heart.

RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Unbaptised adults who have responded to the Gospel message of Jesus and seek entry into the Catholic Church are invited to attend Mass regularly and also attend the “Discovering Our Faith” session each Friday in the Back Room from 8.15 pm to 9.00 pm. 

Baptised Christians who seek full communion with the Catholic Church are also invited to start attending Mass regularly and also attend the “Discovering Our Faith” meetings.

The “Discovering Our Faith” meetings are also open to all Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith.

Children over the age of 7 who are to be baptised must also attend classes, and are expected to continue instructions after Baptism has been received.

Baptism of Infants

“The parents of a child who is to be baptised … are to be suitably instructed on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations attached to it” (Canon 851).

Children up to and including the age of 7:  Parents (and Godparents) who wish to have their child baptised should already be attending Mass each week, and are required to attend a course of preparation, consisting of TWO (2) sessions on consecutive Sunday afternoons.  The courses are arranged several times a year, and are advertised on the Parish Bulletin.

Baptism is usually administered during the Sunday Masses, though alternative timings can be accommodated.

First Confession and First Holy Communion

“For Holy Communion to be administered to children, it is required that they have sufficient knowledge and be carefully prepared” (Canon 913).

The preparation of these two sacraments is parish-based.  At least ONE year’s regular and continual attendance at Mass is required before being considered for the reception of these sacraments.  Children and parents attend several preparation sessions in the season of Lent (for First Confession) and in the Easter season (for First Holy Communion).  Each session starts with a short liturgy for parents and children in the Church.

Confirmation

“To receive Confirmation lawfully, a person must … be suitably instructed, properly disposed and be able to renew baptismal promises” (Canon 889).

Each year on the Feast of Christ the King, an invitation is extended to young people who wish to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation.  At least TWO years’ regular and continual attendance at Mass is required before being considered for the reception of this sacrament.  Candidates should be in Year 8 or above and willing to follow a programme of preparation each Sunday evening from 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm.  Adults wishing to receive this sacrament should contact Father Michael directly and suitable arrangements will be made for them.

Marriage

Those who wish to celebrate the sacrament of marriage should notify the Parish Priest at least SIX MONTHS in advance.  If the wedding is to take place other than in the Parish Church longer notice should be given.  The Catholic party is expected to be regular at weekly Mass and the Sacraments.  The Church requires that a couple be properly prepared before entering into marriage, and so both partners will be required to take part in a preparation course with the Parish Priest, and also attend a four session course with Marriage Care.  Dates for weddings should not be set until the priest is satisfied that a couple is ready for marriage.

Holy Orders / Religious Life

Any man who feels that God may be calling him to the priesthood is asked to contact the Parish Priest.  Similarly any (married) man who feels that God may be calling him to the permanent diaconate is asked to contact the Parish Priest.

Anyone who feels that God may be calling them to the Religious Life is invited to contact the religious order of their choice directly.

The Diocesan Vocations Director is Canon Michael Flook (01792 652683).

CARE OF THE SICK

Sacrament of the Sick

Please call the office if anyone is sick at home, in the hospital or in a nursing home and wishes to be visited by a priest.  We bring Holy Communion and offer the Sacrament of the Sick to all who are housebound.  Please call before the person becomes critically sick, if at all possible!

Hospital Admissions

In the light of the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998, please indicate when you enter hospital that you would like your details passed on to the Roman Catholic Chaplain.  Also state that you would like the R.C. Chaplain to visit you.  The Nursing Staff can contact the Hospital Chaplain through the Hospital Switchboard!

Funerals

Following the introduction of the New Rite of Christian Funerals, it is no longer automatic that a funeral begins with the Reception of the body into the Church the night before the Requiem Mass.  This will usually be the case for a practising and committed Catholic;  but for those who are just Catholics in name only, and who fail to participate or contribute actively to parish life, it may be more appropriate that the Church offer just a service in the home, cemetery or crematorium only.