Sacraments
A sacrament, coming from the Latin word sacramentum means “a sign of the sacred.”
Sacraments are symbolic rites in which an individual can make a personal connection with God, and are often described as 'an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give inward grace.' That connection, called inner grace, is given to a person by a priest or bishop, who uses a set of words and actions in one of seven special ceremonies. The sacraments were instituted by Christ and given to the church to administer and are necessary for salvation.
Baptism
"I BAPTISE YOU IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"
Baptism is the first of the "Sacraments of Initiation". Through Baptism, we become part of the Christian Family. Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water over his or her head, while invoking the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Infant Baptism
For us as the Church, baptism is about becoming part of a community, you as a parent are bringing your child into the community that you are already a part of. When we arrange for a child to be baptised, we expect the parents to already be part of the parish community and coming to Mass every Sunday.
To arrange to have your child baptised, or if you are and adult seeking baptism, please speak to Fr Dominic after Mass.
Reconciliation
"MAY GOD GIVE YOU PARDON AND PEACE"
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also called the Sacrament of Confession. It is one of the two "Healing Sacraments" , as it heals and restores our relationship with God. In Confession, God forgives our sins and gives us the grace to continue our Christian journey through life.
Confessions are heard every Saturday morning from 11-11.50 am
Holy Communion
"THIS IS MY BODY...THIS IS MY BLOOD...DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME"
Receiving Holy Eucharist completes our Christian initiation. It is "the source and summit of the Christian life." In Holy Communion, we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us sharers in his Body and Blood, to form us a single family.
Children in Year 4 of Primary school begin preparing for their first Reconciliation and then their first Holy Communion. Adults who have not made their first Holy Communion are welcome to speak to Fr Dominic about preparing to receive this sacrament.
Confirmation
"BE SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT"
The Sacrament of Confirmation is also a Sacrament of Initiation. Confirmation brings about an increase and deepening of baptismal grace; it roots us more deeply in the Christian family; it unites us closely to Christ; and it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to evangelize by word and action, making us true witnesses of Christ.
In the Archdiocese of Liverpool, young people in Year 8 prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation through our Catholic High schools and as part of their local Deanery. More information can be found on the Animate Youth website.
www.animateyouth.org/called-by-name
Holy Matrimony
"I DO"
Sacred Scripture begins with the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God, and concludes with a vision of the wedding-feast of the Lamb. God created us out of love, and also calls us to love as well, which is the fundamental vocation of everyone. Since God created man and woman, their mutual love becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves us.
Couples who are looking to get married at Our Lady Immaculate & St Joseph
are invited to speak to Fr Dominic.
_edited.jpg)
Holy Orders
"MAY GOD WHO HAS BEGUN THE GOOD WORK IN YOU BRING IT TO FULFILMENT"
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. In the priesthood it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. This sacrament changes the recipient to be more like Christ, so that he may serve as Christ's instrument for his Church. Through ordination the minister is enabled to act as a representative of Christ, who is the head of the Church.
However not all are called to the priesthood, and from the earliest days of the Church some men and women have dedicated themselves to follow Jesus through making a special commitment to live according to what are known as the ‘evangelical counsels’ of poverty, chastity and obedience. Because those in consecrated life live according to Rules approved by the Church, they are known as Religious – from the Latin word regula meaning ‘rule’. In the Archdiocese of Liverpool we are blessed to have many such congregations, including enclosed monastic communities and those Religious whose external works are grounded in a community life of prayer.
If you feel that God may be calling you to to the Priesthood or Religious life, feel free to speak to Fr Ron Johnson - 0151 727 2493. More information can be found here
Sacrament of the Sick
"THROUGH THIS HOLY ANOINTING..."
The Sacrament of the Sick is also called the Anointing of the Sick. It is one of the two "Healing Sacraments". By Anointing and prayer, the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may save them and heal their illness. From ancient times in the liturgical traditions of both Eastern and Western Churches, the practice of anointing of the sick with blessed oil is well documented. This sacrament is not simply reserved for those who are dying, but is available to all who are sick in mind or body.
If you wish to receive the sacrament of the sick for yourself or for a loved one,
please contact Fr Dominic at the parish office. If you are in hospital, please inform the staff you are a Catholic and would like to speak to the Chaplaincy Department,
or the emergency on call chaplain.