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The following is intended as useful information for all Catholics and for those interested in Roman Catholicism

Baptism Confession Holy Communion Holy Matrimony Death Holy Orders Sacrament of the Sick Penance

Baptism

Baptism is the first and necessary stage of Christian initiation. It is the Sacrament by which we share in the redemption offered by Christ, by which we join the community of Faith which is the Church and by which we are incorporated into the life of Christ - the eternal life of the Risen Christ.

Since it is the parents who ask to have their child baptised and who accept the duty and responsibility for the Catholic upbringing of the child, they themselves must express their faith in word and by their Catholic way of life. They should realise the importance of a baptism in the life of the family and prepare for the day by suitable instruction. The priest will normally wish to see both parents to carry out this preparation. The day itself should be one of family happiness marked by the reception of Holy Communion by the parents and other children who are able to receive.

The Rite of Baptism presumes both parents to be taking part in the ceremony, assisted by well chosen godparents, that the child is given a Christian name, i.e. the name of a saint, and that the conferring of this sacrament implies a firm commitment on the part of the parents to a faithful and loyal practice of the faith.

Baptism in case of necessity

If there is danger of death the priest should be called in; but if there is danger of death before the priest's arrival, anyone may baptise.

Pour water on the head and say at the same time: I baptise you (name of child) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Use Holy Water if you have a supply in the house; otherwise use ordinary water from the tap. Pour water on the forehead and let it flow back over the head. Speak the words clearly. If the child recovers, tell the priest that it has had private Baptism.

Registration of Births

Every birth in England or Wales must be registered in the district in which it takes place within 42 days from the date of birth. Information for the registration is given to the local registrar in person by the informant of the birth. There is no charge in registering a birth.

The law regards the mother as the primary informant for the registration, though where the parents are married to one another, either parent can attend to register. However, where the parents are not married, they will usually arrange to attend to register together to sign the Birth register. In cases where this is not possible, advice of alternative procedures can be obtained from the registrar.

Although the parents will register the vast majority of birth registrations, in rare circumstances persons who fall into the following categories are possible informants.

The occupier of the house or hospital where the child was born.

A person present at the birth.

A person who is responsible for the child.

Most register offices operate an appointment system and it is strongly advised a telephone call be made for advice before attending. Telephone numbers can be found in the Directory under Registration, Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Confession

'All the faithful who have reached the age of discretion are bound faithfully to confess their grave sins at least once a year' (Canon 989 - New Code of Canon Law). ' Anyone who is conscious of grave sin may not receive the Body of the Lord without previously having been to sacramental confession' (Canon 916).

These laws clearly affect those who are conscious of having committed grave sin. But, it is a serious mistake to restrict ourselves solely to what is required by law.

'Frequent and reverent recourse to this sacrament, even when only venial sins are in question, is of great value. Frequent confession is not mere ritual repetition. Rather it is a constant effort to bring to perfection the grace of our Baptism' (Introduction to the New Order of Penance No.7).

Through Confession, provided we are truly sorry, all past sin, whether remembered or not, is forgiven. At the same time we are reconciled with the Church which we have wounded by our sins. Regular Confession helps us, gradually, to change, to overcome our faults, and to grow in our love for God. This is why the Church earnestly recommends the frequent reception of this Sacrament.

Holy Communion

Lay Ministers of Holy Communion

On the recommendation of their parish priest men and women after study and instruction may be commissioned:

to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion under one or both kinds at Mass; and if there is need

to take Communion to the sick and housebound and

to expose the Blessed Sacrament for periods of Exposition.

Formation Days for Lay Ministers and Days of Commissioning are organised annually by the Diocesan Liturgy Commission. All enquiries to: Fr. John Wood, Holy Name Presbytery, Hall Road, Hull, HU6 SAT.

How many times can a priest say Mass in a day?

The Church has never obliged her priests to celebrate Mass every day, for centuries she has encouraged daily celebration of Mass but she has never insisted that a priest must celebrate Mass every day. The Mass as we know it is first and foremost the sacrifice of Christ Our Lord, the offering of Himself to the Father for the salvation of mankind. Because this is so, the Church encourages us to celebrate Mass daily and to attend such celebrations. She does not permit priests to celebrate Mass more than once a day except for certain special instances. We can certainly say that it is not in accordance with either the mind or the discipline of the Church to say more than one Mass a day apart from special occasions, Sundays and Days of Obligation.

It is possible for permission to be given due to a shortage of priests for the celebration of Mass twice a weekday, but mere convenience is not sufficient reason especially when it is possible to attend one celebration. (cf. Canon 904,905).

How many times can I receive Holy Communion in one day?

In Canon 917 of the Code of Canon Law it says that it is possible to receive Holy Communion 'again' on one day provided this takes place during the celebration of Mass. This means that receiving Holy Communion must be seen as an integral part of the Mass at which one participates. The discipline of the Church therefore excludes a second reception of Holy Communion outside Mass except in the case of Viaticum (for the dying).

Holy Matrimony

What is Marriage?

If a Catholic is asked what is the teaching of the Church concerning Marriage, the response would naturally begin with the teaching of Our Lord himself. In a short article it is impossible to do justice to the teaching of Our Lord and the Bible on marriage but certain clear points have to be made.

It is the teaching of Our Lord and the Church that he founded, that marriage is a life long bond. To put it another way, the couple on their wedding day are giving themselves one to the other in mutual love for life.

Sometimes people wonder what the Church teaches as regards marriage! I would say, look at the Wedding Service and you will find the answers. From the Wedding Service we can see that for a marriage to be valid, the couples as they stand before the altar must intend to lead a married life together as long as they live. They must intend to be faithful to one another excluding all others. They must intend that the marriage will be open to the possibility of children. If either or both of the parties excludes from their consent any of these essential aspects of marriage, then they commit a serious sin and the marriage would be invalid.

The fact that many people today think differently does not alter the truth. The teaching of the Church is firmly based on the teaching of Our Lord and the Church guided by the Holy Spirit teaches in his name the Good News of the Gospel.

In order that people may lead a full and happy life together in marriage, Our Lord raised marriage between baptised Christians to the dignity of a Sacrament. It is the teaching of the Church that marriages between baptised Christians are sacramental marriages, which means that the love of God is with them in a special way in their marriage not just on their wedding day but throughout their lives together.

Where do we get married?

When a couple are thinking about getting married they should notify their parish priest at the very least six months in advance. They should do so because marriage is a very serious step and the Church through her priests and Marriage Counsellors want to help them prepare for their lives together.

After it has been established that the couple are free to marry then often they will be required to attend a series of talks and discussions in order to help them to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony.

For a Catholic to marry validly the wedding must take place in a Catholic Church before a Catholic Priest or Deacon and at least two witnesses. Very occasionally for grave reasons that have to be presented to the Diocesan Authorities permission will be given for a marriage to take place in another Christian Church. Marriages that take place between a Catholic and a non-Catholic in another Christian Church without this permission are invalid. The discipline of the Church is very clear; the marriage of a Catholic must take place in a Catholic Church. Under no circumstances whatsoever should any arrangements be made with anyone until the couple have been to see their Catholic parish clergy at least six months before the proposed day of the wedding.

A final thought

When a couple are thinking about becoming engaged they should not only seek the advice of their families and local clergy but also consider most carefully the serious step they are undertaking. An essential part of this reflection should be weekly worship of God our Father at Mass on Sundays and also private prayer. In prayer we take our lives to God, we place ourselves in his loving presence and seek his guidance and support. If you are thinking about getting married, pray about it and respond generously to the teaching of Our Lord and his Church.

Civil formalities for Marriage

After arrangements have been arranged with the priest, it is then necessary to enter a Notice of Marriage at the register office of the district where the parties live. Register offices operate an appointment system and it is strongly advised a telephone call be made so that the Superintendent Registrar can advise fully on the procedure and any documents that will be needed.

As general guidance it should be advised that every person who wishes to marry in England or Wales must enter a Notice of Marriage for public display. Both parties to the marriage must satisfy a residential qualification of at least seven days in a registration district. If they live in the same registration district they will normally attend together to sign their notices. A statutory fee is charged for this service. If they live in separate districts then each will need to give notice separately in their own area.

Once entered, a Notice must be displayed for 15 clear days before the Superintendent Registrar's certificate can be issued. It is helpful to note that such a certificate's validity lasts for one year from the date the notice was entered. This certificate must be personally delivered to the priest / authorised person at the church. Occasionally a church requires a civil registrar to attend and register the marriage, in such circumstances it is strongly advised early advice is sought from the local register office. Again a statutory fee is payable if a civil registrar is required.

Death

Registration of Deaths

Deaths in England and Wales must be registered in the district in which they take place although this may be arranged through any register office. Again it is strongly advised a telephone call to the local register office where officers can offer full advice and if required arrange an appointment to register. There is no fee required to register a death.

When a person dies the doctor who was treating them will issue a medical certificate of cause of death to the relatives. The person registering the death will present this certificate to the registrar. Occasionally, if the death was sudden or the doctor concerned is unavailable, it may not be possible for a medical certificate to be issued. If this happens, the death will have to be reported to the Coroner which may lead to a delay in registering.

Every death must be registered within five days of the date of death unless the arrangements are in the Coroner's jurisdiction. The registration is effected by personal attendance before the local registrar most usually by a relative of the deceased. Where there are no relatives, certain other persons can act as informants, again full advice will be offered by the register office.

Holy Orders

The Diocesan Priesthood

The traditional requirements in any applicant are:

a good character
at least average intelligence
a good Catholic family background and
good health.

This, of course, is without prejudice to applications from converts of at least two years standing. All applications should be made through the Parish Priest to the Diocesan Director of Vocations, Rev. Gerard Robinson.

The Sacrament of the Sick

When the Church cares for the sick, it serves Christ Himself in the suffering members of his Mystical Body, the Church. The 'anointing of the sick' is one of the sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ. It is not only for those on the point of death - as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger from sickness or old age, the appropriate time to receive this sacrament has certainly arrived. Do not delay, therefore, in calling the priest when a person is taken ill.

The sick person is anointed on the forehead and the hands with the formula. 'Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin, save you and raise you up. Amen.'

The sickroom

Prepare a table, covered with a white cloth, and place it so that it can be seen by the sick person. Place on the table. A Crucifix between two lighted candles, holy water, and a small glass of water.

Patients in hospital

All hospitals have a Catholic priest attached. It is always helpful to notify Hospital Chaplains where Catholics have been admitted, whether they be General, Geriatric or Psychiatric Hospitals.

Penance

Friday Penance

Because each Friday recalls the crucifixion of Our Lord, it is set aside as a special day of penance. The Church does not prescribe that fish must be eaten on Fridays. It never did. Abstinence has always meant the giving up of meat rather than the eating of fish as a substitute. What the Church does require, according to the new Code of Canon Law, is that its members abstain on Fridays from meat OR some other food OR that they perform some alternative work of Penance.

How should Catholics do Penance on Fridays?

In one or more of the following ways.

By abstaining from meat or some other food.
By abstaining from alcoholic drink, smoking or some form of amusement.
By making the special effort involved in Family Prayer, taking part in the Mass, visiting the Blessed Sacrament, or praying the Stations of the Cross.
By fasting from all food for a longer period than usual and perhaps by giving what is saved in this way to the needy at home and abroad.
By making a special effort to help somebody who is poor, sick, old or lonely.

Why is Penance important?

It helps me to imitate Christ.

It is a response to Christ's call to take up the cross

It is a participation in the suffering of Our Lord

It is an expression of inner conversion

It is a reparation for sin.

The form of Penance we adopt each Friday is a matter of personal choice and does not have to take the same form every Friday. Failure to undertake this penance on a particular Friday would not constitute a sin. However, Penance is part of the life of every Christian and the intention to do Penance on Friday is of obligation.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday

Lent is the traditional season of renewal and repentance in the Church. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be observed as days of fasting and abstinence.

Fasting means that the amount of food we eat is considerably reduced.

Abstinence means that we give up a particular kind of food or drink or some form of amusement.

In the place of Abstinence other forms of Penance (as with Friday Penance) may be substituted.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough