INTRODUCTION

There are many things that characterise a Catholic community, but perhaps by far the most significant is its sacramental life. As well as making it distinct as a community, the sacramental structure serves a much more important role, for it is from these gifts that we receive the life and strength that we need to be disciples of Jesus. It is also through these gifts that we maintain our direct contact with the Lord who promised never to leave us.
The Church teaches that there are seven sacraments that provide for every twist and turn in a person’s life, both spiritual and temporal. These sacraments are vital for the life of the individual and for the community at large in that they reassure the faithful that Christ continues to be present to, and works through, those who bear his name. A sacrament is “an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Jesus Christ, by which grace is given to the soul”.
The seven sacraments are as follows:

Baptism
Reconciliation
Eucharist
Confirmation
Holy Orders
Marriage
Anointing of the Sick

The custodians of the sacraments are the priests of the community, taking their authority from the Bishop. The sacraments are rightly seen as gifts of heaven and it is the duty of the bishop and priests to ensure that every precaution is taken to avoid the sacraments being abused. The priests of this parish are assisted in their duty by the catechists.

BAPTISM
The Holy Name baptism programme exists for those presenting their children for baptism in the Catholic Church. It follows the CAFÉ video produced with the co-operation of the Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Rev. Vincent Nichols. Following the order of the baptism service, it highlights the major themes contained in the rite which the Church teaches as necessary for this primary sacrament.
The course at the Holy Name takes place over two consecutive Sundays between the 9am and 11am Masses. Parents are invited to petition for the sacrament in advance of the course and to book themselves a place on the course. Dates for baptism can be organised in advance with the parish secretary, according to the parish timetable and diary. Parents who are expecting a baby are also invited to attend in advance of the birth of their child if they so wish. Godparents are also invited to attend. Petition forms can be obtained from the parish clergy after any of the weekend Masses. The parish clergy are the custodians of the sacrament of baptism and reserve the right to defer baptism if they see fit. This will only be done after consultation with parents.
Baptisms at the Holy Name generally take place after the 11am Mass on a Sunday. This is the day of the Resurrection and day of New Life in Christian theology and Liturgy and most appropriately the day of Baptism. Consequently, baptisms are only celebrated on other days for a very serious reason and after discussion with the parish clergy. The sacrament is never celebrated during Advent or Lent. Parents wishing to have their children baptised during the celebration of Sunday Mass must speak to the parish clergy.
Any family seeking to present a child for baptism who is living outside of the parish must receive permission from their own parish priest before any date can be fixed for baptism at the Holy Name.
Adults and children over the age of 6 years seeking baptism should consult the parish clergy directly.

SACRAMENTS OF RECONCILIATION AND COMMUNION
The programme for these sacraments takes place exclusively within the parish and is open to children aged 7 and above. Adults and children over the age of 10 seeking these sacraments should speak to the parish clergy. The course runs over several months and parents are invited to petition on behalf of their children after announcements about dates and times are printed in the parish bulletin.
The course takes place after the 9am Mass on a Sunday. The children are dismissed from the Mass and taken to their class by catechists. Attendance at Mass is not an option; neither is attendance at the classes. Parents will also have several evening meetings with priests and catechists which, likewise, are not optional.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is administered at a special penitential service during the season of Lent and parents are encouraged to be actively involved in this day. First Holy Communion is received on a specified Sunday as the summer approaches. The parish clergy remain the custodians of these sacraments and reserve the right to defer reception of the sacrament accordingly after discussion with parents and catechists.
Later in the year, the children are invited to the parish party as guests of honour, with the Confirmation class; at this party they receive their communion certificates.

CONFIRMATION
The last of the sacraments of initiation, Confirmation is conferred on children of year 9 age and above according to diocesan policy. Adults should consult the parish clergy.
The course commencement date is dependant on the date set for Confirmation by the Bishop but is announced in the parish newsletter. Those seeking the sacrament are invited to petition the parish priest with a letter of introduction, stating why they desire to receive the sacrament, before completing a more formal application. A candidate must have been baptised and have received First Holy Communion before they can receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
The course at the Holy Name aims to foster a deeper understanding of what it is to be Church and involves several sessions exploring these issues. The course also includes a visit to the Carmelite Monastery at Wood Hall and a short retreat before Confirmation day. Candidates must attend all sessions and will be subject to scrutiny by the catechists and clergy as to their suitability to receive the sacrament. The decision to allow a candidate to receive the sacrament rests with the parish clergy as delegated by the Bishop. There are also two formal presentations of the candidates to the parish during the celebration of Sunday Mass during the course.
As the bishop usually confers the sacrament on a whole deanery at a time, it might not always be possible to celebrate the sacrament in this Church. However, the community celebrates the witness of its young people at the summer parish party to which all confirmation candidates are invited.

 

MARRIAGE
Couples seeking to marry within the Catholic Church are invited to approach the parish clergy themselves. Except in very exceptional circumstances, arrangements for a marriage, however preliminary, will not be made with a third party.
After an initial meeting with the priest, couples are expected to undergo a period of formation and preparation either with the priest or as part of a group. Catholic partners are expected to make a sacramental confession as part of their preparation. Couples living outside of the parish must make their own arrangements for preparation if they are unable to come here. Written proof that this has taken place will be required.
Marriages are not celebrated in this parish during the season of Lent except in very serious and exceptional cases. A minimum of 6 months notice must be given to the clergy before a marriage can take place. Couples are strongly advised to check with the clergy as to the availability of dates before making any firm arrangements with reception venues.
The Catholic Church does not charge for the sacraments but a civil registration fee is charged and set by local government. A donation to the Church, subject to the means of the couple, is expected. This will be discussed with the priest.

 

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
Once associated with the proximity of death, this sacrament is now open to those who desire the consolation of the sacrament in their infirmity and/or old age. The recipient does not need to be in danger of death to receive the sacrament from a priest and a once only reception suffices (though the sacrament can be administered several times).
Carers who think that their charge would desire or benefit from the sacrament are invited to contact one of the priests after consulting the sick person where this is possible.
Twice a year the parish celebrates a Mass in church for the sick and housebound. Those who are remotely able to attend are brought to church by volunteers and are anointed during Mass by the priests. A small reception takes place afterwards. Details of this event are advertised in the parish newsletter.