Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism is sometimes called 'the gateway to the sacraments', since by baptism we enter into the Church and begin our journey in the life of Christ. We take on the name of 'Christian'. We are adopted as children of God, through the only Son, and are privileged to be able to call God our Father.
In this parish, the Sacrament of Baptism for infants (or children of pre-school age) is usually administered on a Sunday after the 12 noon Mass. The parents present the child to the Church and make a commitment to bring him or her up in the Catholic faith. Family attend as a sign of their desire to welcome the (often new-born) child into the bosom of the extended family and to affirm their desire to share the process of teaching the child about God and about Jesus.
Confirmation
A person living the Christian faith in communion with the Catholic Church will be constantly in touch with the seven Sacraments. These are sources of "grace" from God through the Holy Spirit, rituals which signify that God is actively present to us in a particular way. Essentially, the Sacraments bring God's help at various stages on our pilgrimage of life.
The first and most important of the Sacraments is Baptism which initiates a person into the Christian faith.
This initiation is completed by the sacraments of Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
Confirmation is received only once (for a child during primary school, for an adult with Baptism) while Eucharist should feature regularly in the life of a Christian, as should Reconciliation as part of life's ongoing journey of conversion.
The Sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders are for adults who choose to commit their lives in a certain way.
The Sacrament of the Sick, in times past referred to as "Extreme Unction", is now more properly recognised as a Sacrament for those who are sick, but not necessarily dying! It is a sacrament of healing and comfort!
The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism and is the second of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
In the Archdiocese of Glasgow, it is usually administered for children when the child is in Primary 4, after receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and before making First Holy Communion.
For adults who are being received into the Church through RCIA, Confirmation is celebrated immediately after Baptism at the Easter Vigil ceremony.
Adults who have been baptised Catholic and received First Communion may occasionally not have been confirmed. For this to take place, permission has to be sought from the Bishop (who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation), and usually takes place around the feast of Pentecost.
For more information, speak to the Parish Priest
Holy Eucharist
The Sacrament of Eucharist, called variously 'Holy Communion' or the 'Breaking of Bread', has been at the very heart of the Catholic life and worship since the very beginning. It is a re-enactment of the Last Supper, a re-presentation of Calvary, and the presence of the Risen Christ among us. The Eucharist or Mass is celebrated daily in most Catholic churches.
During Mass the priest will preside during the Readings from scripture and then lead the people in offering bread and wine, which, when consecrated, become the Body and Blood of Christ. These are then distributed to the people at Holy Communion.
This is a very devout and prayerful time for Catholic people who always show deep respect to the Holy Eucharist. Outwith Mass times, the Eucharist is reserved in most churches in the tabernacle.
