SACRAMENTS

BAPTISM

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, we are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)

Baptisms usually take place at 1pm on Saturdays or Sundays. Parents are asked to give at least 2 weeks’ notice by contacting the parish office (028 207 62223 Mon-Fri 9am-2pm). Parents who do not live in Ballycastle or Ballintoy but want their child baptised here are expected to contact the clergy of the parish they live in to inform them of their request to have their child baptised here.

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RECONCILIATION

“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.” (Lumen Gentium, 11 S2)

Confessions take place in Ballycastle following Saturday 10.00am Mass, or by appointment with any of the priests.

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EUCHARIST

By the consecration the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is brought about. Under the consecrated species of bread and wine Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1413).

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CONFIRMATION

Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1316)

MATRIMONY

The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacraments thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1661).

At least three months’ notice is required for weddings, but six months’ notice is preferred. Please contacting the parish office (028 207 62223 Mon-Fri 9am-2pm) for information on availability of dates, pre-marriage courses, the church paperwork (the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form) and the state paperwork (the Marriage Notice Application Form).

HOLY ORDERS

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. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1536)

If you are considering a call to the priesthood or permanent diaconate, please speak to one of the parish clergy or contact Fr Conor McGrath, Vocations Director for Down and Connor c.mcgrath@downandconnor.org

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

“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.” (Lumen Gentium, 11)

To contact a priest urgently for the Sacrament of the Sick, please contact the parish office (028 207 62223) or the parish emergency mobile number (07809553349).