Sacraments

Through Baptism we become sons and daughters of God and are incorporated into the Church as members of Christ. In the Catholic Church, infants are baptised soon after birth to welcome them into the Catholic faith.

Baptism is a joyful occasion which leaves a spiritual mark of belonging to Christ on our soul and marks the gateway to the other Sacraments.

First Holy Communion continues the faith journey begun at baptism. Receiving the Eucharist for the first time is a deeply profound moment.

We offer annual short courses to help children in the Parish to prepare for this important Sacrament.

The third Sacrament of Initiation is Confirmation which confirms our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

Applications for the Parish Youth Confirmation programme in 2023 are now being received. If you are in Year 9 or above at Secondary School and you are either a parishioner of the Cathedral or you worship here regularly, then please register using the link here.

Please note that the programme begins on Wednesday 11 January 2023, with the teaching sessions taking place on Wednesday evenings from 6.00 – 7.30pm. A key expectation of the programme is a full and generous commitment to all of the sessions and the requirements of the course, as well as attending Sunday Mass weekly.

The Closing Date for applications is Sunday 18 December 2022.

Confirmation normally takes place when a child is around 14 years of age, but practising Catholic adults may be confirmed at any age following some preparation tailored to the individual’s particular needs.

This sacrament releases us from the burden of our sins. Through confidential confession to a priest, we receive forgiveness from Christ and are reconciled with God and the Church.

The Cathedral has a daily rota which ensures that at least one priest is available to hear Confession during advertised hours.

This healing sacrament is intended to strengthen those tried by illness or facing hospital treatment or surgery.

Anointing is often received in hospital but Chaplains will also give it to those in need in the Cathedral or during a home visit.

The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacrament of service which provides a bedrock for faith and family life.

Many couples in the parish wish to marry at the Cathedral, with the beautiful and intimate Lady Chapel especially popular as a wedding venue.

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church to the end of time. It is a commitment for life, both to God and to the Catholic Church.

This sacrament configures the recipient to Christ by a special grace of the Holy Spirit to serve as Christ’s instrument for His Holy Church.