The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men and women, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God. In the sacraments it is Christ himself who is at work: it is he who baptises, he who acts in his sacraments in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies.

 

 

 

Baptism

 

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, and are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.

 

 

 

If you would like your child to be baptised, or if you are an adult who wishes to be baptised, please contact the parish priest. It is good to have your child baptised as soon as possible after their birth but whatever is the age of your child, the priest looks forward to talking with you.

 

Confession

 

Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offence committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example and by prayer labours for their conversion.

 

 

The times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions) are: Assumption of Our Lady, Maldon, every Saturday from 4pm – 4.45pm; St Cuthbert’s, Burnham on Crouch, every Sunday from 11am – 11.20am. You are also welcome to make an appointment to see the parish priest outside these times.

 

 

Holy Communion

 

They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  Day by day, attending the temple together and the breaking of bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts.

Acts 2:42,46

 

 

 

First Holy Communion is normally celebrated once a child reaches School year 3. For further information, please contact the parish priest.

 

Confirmation

 

By the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.

 

Lumen Gentium

 

If you are year 8 or above and have not yet been confirmed, please see the parish priest.

 

Marriage

 

The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children.

 

 

 

Those couples who are interested in getting married should make an appointment with the parish priest at least six months before their proposed marriage.

 

Anointing of the sick

 

So they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.

Mk 6:12-13

 

Catholics should be anointed before an operation, when in hospital, when suffering the frailty of old age or, especially, in danger of death. Those who would like to receive this Sacrament should contact the parish priest. If you would like to see a priest while in hospital you must either tell the hospital staff or the parish priest. In danger of death, do not hesitate to contact the parish priest at any time.

 

Holy Orders

 

God the Father, From the beginning, You chose the descendants of Abraham to be your holy nation. You established rulers and priests, And did not leave your sanctuary without ministers to serve you.

Prayer of Consecration

 

If you are interested in the priesthood or the religious life then please feel free to speak to Fr Graham Smith, the Diocesan Vocations Director. Fr Graham can be contacted by phone (01702 465720) or by e-mail: info@brentwoodvocations.org -Brentwood Diocese also has a vocations website