The Sacramental Life
Preparing for Sacraments
The reception of a sacrament is a most important moment in the life of a member of the Church community, and careful preparation should be made. The Cathedral offers a time of preparation for those who are to receive sacraments, to enable them to enter more fully into these great mysteries of our faith.
Baptism
If you would like your child baptised, and you live in the Cathedral parish, please see one of the Cathedral Chaplains. Parents are usually asked to attend a short preparation course.
Feel called to become Catholic?
Each year, the Cathedral receives adults who are seeking baptism as well as Christians of other denominations who would like to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. The process begins with a short period of enquiry where, together with a Cathedral Chaplain, you can explore what you are seeking. This is followed by the ‘Catechumenate’, which is the period of preparation involved in becoming Catholic. This period varies for people depending on their needs and circumstances. It usually involves a course, generally known as RCIA (which stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Do call Clergy House Reception on 020 7798 9055 or mail us at chaplains@rcdow.org.uk for more information.
First Holy Communion
The course for children in the Cathedral parish aged between 7 and 10 begins in September every year. Details of how to apply are announced at Masses, and available in the Cathedral parish newsletter in the early summer.
Confirmation
For those aged 14-15 years. The course begins in January. Applications open in the autumn each year: please see the notice board in the Cathedral, or the parish newsletter, for details.
We also receive adults for Confirmation, who, for whatever reason have been baptised, but not been Confirmed earlier. This involves a separate process of preparation. Please call Clergy House Reception on 020 7798 9055 or mail us at chaplains@rcdow.org.uk for more information.
Marriage
Cathedral parishioners who would like to be married in the Cathedral must give six months' notice, to allow the necessary preparations to be made. Please see one of the Cathedral Chaplains for more information.
Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation)
Please see the Confessions page.
Returning to the Faith after a long time?
Welcome back! Why don’t you come in and have a chat with one of our chaplains, and we will do our best to help you.
Do call Clergy House Reception on 020 7798 9055 or mail us at chaplains@rcdow.org.uk for an appointment.
Visiting the sick (including Anointing)
If you, or anyone you know, needs a visit from a priest, Holy Communion or Anointing, please speak with one of the Chaplains or contact Clergy House Reception. In an emergency when someone is gravely ill or has died and a priest is required outside reception opening hours please call 07340 288 978
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Exposition takes place in the Cathedral from Monday to Friday from 1.15pm to 4.30pm