Sacraments

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (CCC 1213) 

Baptism for children

Parents requesting baptism in St John's should be known to the parish. Polish parents should see the Priest for the Polish Catholic Mission in Melton or alternatively register as a member of the Catholic Parish of St John the Baptist in Melton.

All Catholic parents should where possible attend church each week.

• Please contact the Parish Office for more details.

Baptism for adults

Adult baptism is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). 

• For more information please contact Father.

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "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. (CCC 1285) 

• Candidates for Confirmation must be at least 11 years old. Please see the dedicated page for Confirmation.

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. (CCC 1322)

At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us. (CCC 1323)

First Holy Communion (Children)

Children attending St Francis Catholic Primary School will be automatically informed of when preparation classes for First Holy Communion will begin - this is normally around the age of 7 or 8. Children from the Parish, but not attending St Francis should contact the headteacher there to arrange preparation for your child. 

All applicants must be baptized and able to produce a Baptismal Certificate. Parents are to be actively involved in the preparation, teaching their children prayers and of course bringing them to Mass each week.

First Holy Communion (Adults)

First Holy Communion is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

• For more information about RCIA please contact Father.

Receiving the Sacrament

Most Catholics receive the Eucharist during Mass, however those that cannot get to Mass - through sickness or disability - may receive Holy Communion from Father, or a Eucharistic Minister in their own home.

Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense 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 labors for their conversion." (CCC 1422)

First Confession

Children normally makes their first confession as part of their preparation for First Holy Communion. 

Adults make their first confession as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Receiving the Sacrament

Times for confession are detailed in the Weekly Newsletter.

By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. and indeed she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.  (CCC 1499)

Receiving the Sacrament

The sacrament is not only for those at the point of death but also those suffering from a grave illness.

• Please contact Father for more details.

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.  (CCC 1536)

For more information:

Please visit the website: http://www.nottinghamvocations.co.uk/  or alternatively speak with Father who can put you in touch with the Diocese Vocations Director.

The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (CCC 1601)

Arranging a marriage

It is a requirement that one spouse must be a Catholic to marry in a Catholic church. You should also notify the Parish Priest at least six months before the date you wish to marry at St John's (or any Catholic church).

Couples also need to attend an obligatory one day marriage preparation workshop: ‘Preparing Together’. For further information and details of future workshop dates and venues telephone: 0800 389 3801 or visit: https://www.marriagecare.org.uk

• Please contact Father for more details.