The seven sacraments — Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (Holy Communion), Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick—are the life of the Catholic Church. Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. When we participate, each provides us with graces — with the life of God in our soul.
In worship, we give to God that which we owe Him; in the sacraments, He gives us the graces necessary to live a truly human life.
Baptism
New members are always welcome in St Joseph’s whether they be infant’s youth or those a little more mature - we have Baptism Programmes to suit.
Infant Baptisms are normally held on the last Sunday of the month. We have three teams of catechists that prepare the Parents and Godparents over a two-week period prior to the Baptism service.
We also have a team that prepares older children for Baptism.
St Joseph’s combines with the parishes of Sacred Heart and St Alban’s in offering a Journey in Faith (RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programme.
Any parent requiring Baptism for their child or making enquiries regarding Baptism must see Father John or one of the Deacons and obtain an application form.
This form should then be completed and handed into the Parish administrator who will then give the time of Baptism, date and details of the course.
The Sacrament of Baptism, the first of the three sacraments of initiation. It is also the first of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church and welcomes the baptized into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.
If you are an adult interested in learning more or in receiving this sacrament please contact the Parish office or follow the link to our Journey in Faith
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of initiation because, historically, it was administered immediately after the Sacrament of Baptism.
Confirmation perfects our baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday.
The parish currently runs a confirmation programme for teenagers with a strong team of volunteers. The confirmation programme is run in conjunction with the neighbouring parishes of Sacred Heart and St Alban’s, together with;
St Gregory's High School and their Chaplain, Sister Margaret.
‘Animate’ our Archdiocesan youth ministry team, also run a day as part of the programme, further details of Animate can be obtained from Fr. Stephen Pritchard. Fr. Stephen is based at Lowe House, St Mary’s Parish, St Helens.
If you are an adult interested in learning more or in receiving this sacrament please contact the Parish office or follow the link to our Journey in Faith
Eucharist (Holy Communion)
While Catholics today normally make their First Communion before they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the reception of Christ's Body and Blood, was historically the third of the three sacraments of initiation. This sacrament is the source of great graces that sanctify us and help us grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ.
If you are an adult interested in learning more or in receiving this sacrament, please contact the Parish office or follow the link to our Journey in Faith
St Joseph’s works with both Primary schools to bring this sacrament to the children of the Parish at approximately age 7 years.
The Reconciliation and First Holy Communion preparation programme is led by a dedicated team of parishioners in conjunction with the parish priest, along with support from the primary schools, and follows the Archdiocesan recommendations. Children in Year4 at primary school are contacted through the schools and invited to join the programme. Parents of children attending non-Catholic schools can join the programme by telephoning the parish office.
Preparation begins in October with Reconciliation usually taking place in November or December and First Holy Communion the following Spring/Summer.
Children and their parents/carers together attend a number of sessions held in the evenings in the church. The sessions usually last about one hour each.
Reconciliation
THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the least understood and least utilized sacraments in the Catholic Church. It is an opportunity for us to recognise our human failings and reconcile ourselves to God. It is a great source of grace and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often.
There are several opportunities over the week where this sacrament can be received:
Note: Due to Covid19 restrictions if anyone is needing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please contact the Parish office to make a face to face appointment.
Saint Mary's (Town Centre): Daily for 30 mins before every Mass plus on Saturday at 10.00 am till 11:50 AM.
Children are currently prepared for reconciliation in partnership with our primary schools.
If you are an adult interested in learning more or in receiving this sacrament please contact the Parish office or follow the link to our Journey in Faith
Marriage
Weddings can be arranged by appointment by contacting Fr. John or one of the Deacons.
The parish offers a marriage preparation day that all couples getting married in St Joseph’s are expected to attend.
The topics discussed include communications, finance and marriage as a Sacrament. The day is run by a team of married couples with one of our Deacons.
Further details can be obtained from the parish office.
It is important that couples contact us as soon as possible if they want to get married in St Joseph’s.
Marriage, a lifelong union between a man and a woman is also one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It reflects the union of Jesus Christ and His Church.
If you are interested in learning more or in receiving this Sacrament please contact the Parish office
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He bestowed upon His Apostles. There are three levels to this sacrament: the episcopate, the priesthood, and the diaconate.
If you are interested in knowing more about becoming a priest or entering religious life then please contact Fr John.
Why not come along to the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays and Friday to pray for an increase of Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life, and Diaconate
Anointing of the Sick
The sick and housebound are very important to us here in St Joseph's, each week the Eucharistic ministers take communion to approximately 60 People in nursing homes or their own home if they cannot get to Mass.
Twice a year the Legion of Mary organise a Mass when all the sick and housebound are brought to church for a Mass and anointing.
It is important that you inform the parish office if you know someone in our community who is sick or going into hospital, Fr John is also one of the Chaplains at Warrington General Hospital.