Sacraments
Baptisms at St Mary of the Angels
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When you can schedule a Baptism:
We celebrate Baptisms on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the Month. -
Do you have an association with another parish, or live outside of our area?
If you do, the usual practice would be to ask permission from your local parish priest before having your child baptised here at St Mary of the Angels. -
Will this be your first child to be baptised?
The Archdiocese and the parish require that for a first child, parents take part in a preparation session lasting about one hour or two. Ideally, it is also helpful to have godparents present for this as well. You would need to discuss this with the priest celebrating the Baptism. -
How many godparents are required?
There are usually two, a man and a woman. A requirement is that at least one of the godparents be Catholic. Godparents must be at least 16 years of age, and are usually chosen by the baby’s parents. You may choose more than two godparents. -
How much does a Baptism cost?
The cost for a Baptism is $100 inc. GST. It is a long time custom to give a cash offering to the priest or parish as a gesture of thanks. -
Next steps to arrange a Baptism at St Mary of the Angels:
Please download and fill out the Baptism Information Form and return the form to either a priest or the parish secretary.
Baptism Information Form
You are also most welcome to make an appointment if you wish to meet with one of the priests.
First Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation
Children
Parents please register children for the Sacramental Preparation Programme in February of each year. Enrolment forms are available at the Parish Office. Children baptised as infants and who have reached year 4 of school are eligible for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion. The programme begins in February to prepare them for:
- Reconciliation during Lent
- Confirmation mid year
- First Holy Communion in Spring
Adult Confirmation
You are invited to attend RCIA enquiry nights. An interview with a member of our Pastoral Team will help determine appropriate preparation.
Where possible adults presenting for Confirmation will celebrate the Sacrament at the Easter Vigil.
Sacrament of Marriage
St Mary of the Angels church is available for Catholic weddings.
Please see our information pack and enrolment form below:
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Wedding Information Pack 2020
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Marriage Enrolment Form
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If you need further information on the requirements and availability of the church please contact us:
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Anointing Masses are offered at St Mary of the Angels Church on the 4th Saturday on every month at 11am
Becoming a Catholic (RCIA)
Interested in the Possibility of Becoming a Catholic?
Do you want, in a gentle, non-obligating, non-threatening way, to join with others to find out more about the Catholic experience, faith and life?
We are offering a reflective process called RCIA that leaves you free to respond and choose: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Perhaps you know someone who is curious about the Catholic Faith?
The Adult Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is the process through which adults are gradually introduced to the Catholic faith and way of life.
RCIA Background
The RCIA programme is the ancient process of Christian Initiation designed for adults who consciously and freely seek the living God and wish to enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.
This process is especially designed for persons who think they would like to be in full communion with the Catholic Tradition.
The RCIA programme is for Catechumens – adults who have never been baptised; and Candidates – adults who have received Christian baptism and who now wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. It is for men and women of every culture, language and nation.
RCIA is also for the Catholic people of the parish. RCIA needs the support of the Catholic community as helpers, sponsors and assistant catechists. RCIA needs members of the parish because the proper context for Catechumens and Candidates to explore the Catholic Faith is within a Catholic community. Catholics benefit immensely from the programme.
The RCIA Programme at St Mary of the Angels
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a 26 week programme held at the St Mary of the Angels Parish each year for people interested in learning about our Catholic Faith and becoming part of the Catholic Community.
Weekly classes are held between September and April which cover a variety of topics and reflections such as Who is God, the Journey of Faith, How to Pray, the History of the Church, Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion.
Each session involves some input, discussion and a time for sharing and learning together. Each person has a supporter - sponsor to encourage the candidate on their journey.
If you are interested in learning more about the RCIA programme, would like to join, or would like to help as a team member in this special ministry, contact Abby at the Parish Office.
The Catholic Enquiry Centre
The mission of the Catholic Enquiry Centre is to promote knowledge of the beliefs and practices of our Catholic Faith in New Zealand.
the Catholic Enquiry Centre serves:
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People searching for faith:
- Who were once Catholics
- Who have no religious background
- Who came from another religious tradition
- Catholics who want to become more active in their Church, or who want to share their faith.
- People who want to find out about the Catholic Church in general.
For more information please phone the Catholic Enquiry Centre:
Ministering to the sick and housebound
“I was sick and you visited me”
This Ministry attends to the needs of people in our wider parish community who are sick and/or housebound and are unable to come to Mass.
In the past this type of care was the role of the Parish Priest. Since the Second Vatican Council this Ministry to the sick and elderly is now the responsibility of all; family, parish community, religious and priests.
We do this with weekly visits with Holy Communion. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available to those who request it.
We find that many of the people we visit are an inspiration to us. They are the “power house of prayer”. They are the “oil that keeps the wheel turning” through their pain, suffering and lonely hours.
In turn we remember them in our prayers and can include their names in the parish bulletin for the whole parish community to include in their prayers.
If you know of anyone who is sick or housebound, in your home, an apartment, flat or street, who would like a visit, and/or Sacrament of the Sick, please make contact with the Pastoral Team through the parish office.
If you would like more information or wish to enrol please contact the Parish Office:
Adoration
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held at St Mary of the Angels Church, Monday to Friday 6.30am to 7.20am and Friday 11am to Noon
Devotions
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Marian Devotions1st Saturday of the month, 10:30am
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RosaryFriday after the noon Mass (not Public Holidays)
