Sacraments
BAPTISM
Baptism is the fundamental Christian sacrament: we celebrate becoming part of God's family and the family of the Church. All the other sacraments build on baptism. They are normally celebrated at St Ann's on Sundays at 1.00 pm. To arrange a baptism please contact Father Chris at least two months in advance, to allow time for a home visit and the other preparations for this joyful occasion.
These were the children we welcomed into God's family at St Ann's during 2009
CONFIRMATION
The bishop normally visits the Local Pastoral Area each year in the early summer to administer Confirmation. A substantial amount of time is needed for the preparation programme, so Confirmation candidates (Year 9 or above) or their parents should contact Father Chris or Pat Lynch as soon as possible after the announcement appears in the parish newsletter early in the year. St James' School will also publicise the date once it is known, though the preparation takes place in the parish, with the help of a team of catechists.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS
The preparation for First Communion for Year 3 children takes place in Cheadle Catholic Junior School, with support from the parishes and of course from parents themselves, who will have meetings at their parish to help them help their children.
Children who do not attend Cheadle Catholic Junior School can be prepared for the Communion (and before that for First Forgiveness) at Saturday meetings currently led by Helen Cameron.
These were the children who celebrated their First Holy Communion at St Ann's during 2009
MARRIAGE
Father Chris will be delighted to discuss a proposed wedding with engaged couples. Normally at least 6 months notice is required of a wedding. The preparation takes time in order to fulfil both civil and church laws. Please don't arrange an irrevocable date with a chosen reception venue without first checking with the church!
These were the Weddings we celebrated at St Ann's in 2009
HOLY ORDERS
If you are considering the Priesthood or another Religious Life as a vocation then contact Fr. Jonathan Mitchell at Shrewsbury Cathedral. (E-mail: frjonnmitchell@cantab.net. ) If you are considering the Permanent Diaconate as your vocation then please speak to Fr Geoffrey O'Grady at St Ambrose, Stockport. (E-mail: geoffogrady@talktalk.net. ) Or begin by having a word with Father Chris.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Confession times in church are as follows:
- Wednesday 7.00 - 7.25 pm.
- Saturday 11.30 - 11.55 am.
- Saturday 5.30 - 5.55 pm.
....or on request. Advent and Lent communal celebrations of Reconciliation - plus additional Confession times - are indicated beforehand in the newsletter.
The preparation for First Forgiveness for Year 2 children takes place in Cheadle Catholic Infant School, with support from the parishes and of course from parents themselves, who will have meetings at their parish to help them help their children.
SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
Anyone needing the Anointing of the Sick at home should contact Father Chris. Holy Communion at home for the housebound is also available, as often - within reason! - as desired, with the help of the parish Eucharistic Ministers. If you, or a member of your family, are in hospital, please ask to see the Catholic Chaplain; hospital staff are no longer able to automatically supply chaplains with lists of Catholic patients. There should also be lay hospital visitors from the churches, who will normally be able to arrange to bring Holy Communion.
