Course links to be added
Baptism
If you have just had a baby or are expecting one you are warmly invited to attend our baptismal preparation programme.
The aim of the programme is to serve as a reminder to parents about their own faith and what it means to them.
Baptism is a time of special joy and blessing, but it is also the first and most important step a parent will take in the faith life of their child.
​ Parents, and parents to be, should initially fill in a form available from the Church narthex and return it to Julie Young , the Parish Secretary.
The programme of preparation is designed as a welcome into the church community and to encourage reflection on your own faith and why you want your child baptised. It also focuses on the practicalities and significance of what happens in the Baptism service and how you can continue to support your child’s faith journey.
Once the preparation is complete, Baptisms can take place by arrangement during a Sunday mass or in a separate service.
Adult Initiation into the Church (RCIA)
The Christian faith is available to everyone, of any age, and any background. In the twenty- first century, many adults find they have little knowledge of Christ, or for various reasons did not fully develop their Christian faith when younger. We offer the opportunity for adults to explore with us our Christian faith and and what Christianity means in practice. We can also help those who wish to become full members of the Church to learn more about the Christian life of prayer and goodness and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
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The programme of preparation is called "The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults"(RCIA). It is made up of discussion, private thought and prayer, and culminates - for those who decide to accept Christ in their lives - in joining the Church in its public worship at Mass, and receiving the Eucharist and the other sacraments; participants are supported by the prayers of the parish community. RCIA has several stages, starting with that of enquiry; each stage takes as long as participants need, and there is no obligation and no pressure apart from what is in each one of us regarding God.
Meetings take place on weekday evenings in the Presbytery, led by Fr. Alexander and lay people of the parish.
Reconciliation First Holy Communion
Children wishing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion must be at least 7/8 years old, be a baptized Catholic, attend Mass regularly and live in the Parish. Parents and catechists work together to prepare the children for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
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First Reconciliation
There are four sessions from the “I Belong” book to be completed by the children before they make their First Reconciliation by the end of November.
Children are accompanied by a parent at each session.
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First Holy Communion
Between New Year and the end of May a series of six sessions from the “I Belong” book are held. To help give the children a better understanding of the Mass “My First Missal” is worked alongside the “I Belong” Book.
Children are accompanied by a parent at each session.
A Celebration Mass follows each of the sessions.
The children make their First Holy Communion in May or June.
Enquiries to:
Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith 0208 393 5572
& alexander.lucie-smith@abdiocese.org.uk​​
Confirmation
We run a course of preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation every year from about October to the following April/May when Confirmations take place. The course involves roughly 9 two-hour sessions on a Saturday afternoon, a retreat day and three special masses. You will need to commit to come to and participate in all of these. The course is open to young people who will be at least 15 by the end of the August in the year of their Confirmation, i.e. generally school year 10 and above and who are attending mass regularly at St Clement’s.
Confirmation is a once-only sacrament. The aim of the course is to give candidates an experience of their faith. We hope to have some fun along the way as well. It will be a time for exploring ideas with other young people in the parish and of deepening relationships with God. It is their “coming of age” in the Church and choosing to say, “Yes! I am a Christian. Yes! I want to take the next step in my faith journey.”
If you would like to join our Confirmation programme, please apply in September when application forms will be available in the narthex.
Any questions, please contact the Confirmation catechists, Ann and Robin Hannan, or Father Alexander.
Pastoral Initiatives
Visiting Sick and Housebound
Please notify Fr Alexander of any parishioner who is sick or housebound. Normally Fr Alexander or an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist will visit them weekly with Holy Communion.
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Pastoral Group
St Anthony's Pastoral Group
Is a parish group which cares for those in difficulty or hardship in some way within the parish area.
It has taken on the responsibilities of the SVP Conference which preceded it.
Marriage Preparation
Couples intending to marry at St Clement's should give at least six months notice of their wedding date.
They will be invited to take a marriage preparation course.
This will be provided by the Parish Priest in conjunction with Deanery personnel