BAPTISM

If you would like your child to be baptised, please make arrangements with our parish priest.  Either he or one of our catechists will meet you once or twice to refresh your understanding of Baptism and to explain the dignity and the responsibilities of the sacrament.  You are welcome to arrange the celebration of baptism during a Sunday mass or at any other convenient time.

Adult baptism: Please see further details in the Journey of Faith section.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

First Holy Communion classes are organised for children in primary school Year 3 (the school year in which a child reaches the age of 8) or above. The parish organises a First Communion Programme every year from September to June. The first Reconciliation is usually in arranged in December and another reconciliation service in March and the First Communion celebration in May. The preparation classes are held every Tuesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm during term time. There are also a few sessions for the parents of the children who are making their first Reconciliation and Communion.

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is organised for young people in secondary school Year 10 (the school year in which a young person reaches the age of 15) or above. The parish confirmation programme is arranged in alternate years from February to August.

MARRIAGE

If you would like to be married in the Catholic Church please contact our parish priest. Even if you think that your relationship is ‘irregular’ in the eyes of the church, it may be worth having a chat with him as most could be regularised. Couples are required by diocesan law to give their parish priest six months notice of their marriage. They will need to arrange with him a course of pre-marriage instruction. It is advisable to book the church before making any other arrangements

COMMUNION

Communion is taken by our priest or a Eucharistic Minister to the homes of the sick if requested.  Please contact our parish priest if communion is required in the home.

HOUSE BLESSINGS

Please contact our parish priest if you would like a house blessing.

HOSPITAL  -  VISITS BY OUR PARISH PRIEST

If you are about to go into hospital and would like to be visited please let our parish priest know. When in hospital make sure your religion is registered as Roman Catholic.

FUNERALS

When a death occurs, people sometimes feel at a loss as to where to turn for help.  Funeral directors take care of many of the arrangements including details of the service, interment / cremation, flowers. Be sure to contact our parish priest for additional guidance and advice.

MARRIAGE CARE

For a confidential appointment ring 01638 560580.

JOURNEY OF FAITH

Journey of Faith is designed for adults who would like to join the Catholic Church. It is a series of sessions exploring the Catholic Faith, usually led by our parish priest. For the Catechumen it is a personal journey of encounter with God. It is also known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) or ABC (About Being a Catholic). The Journey of Faith sessions usually begin in October and continue until Easter. The non-baptised adults are received into the Church through baptism during the Easter Vigil. Baptised non-Catholics are also confirmed during the Vigil. Anyone is welcome to join this Journey without an obligation to join the Church. Please contact our parish priest or the Director of Catechesis if you know of anyone who may be interested in this programme.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SERVING THE PARISH

There are no Catholic schools in the parish. Thetford is served by the following schools in Bury St. Edmunds.

St. Edmunds First School.      For  5  -  9 year olds.          Telephone:  01284  755141
St  Louis Middle School.         For  9  - 13 year olds          Telephone:  01284  753495
St  Benedicts Upper School.   For 13 - 18 year olds          Telephone:  01284  753512

Children’s names and dates of birth can be given to our parish priest who will pass the details  on to Mrs Imelda McMahon, the Parish Liaison Officer for catholic schools. Mrs MacMahon will  be pleased to help you with the admission process.