Taking time to prepare for the Sacraments enriches the experience for everyone involved.
We welcome you to this preparation and be assured there are people to support you through it all.
Baptism
Parents presenting their child for Baptism are invited to participate in the Baptism Preparation Programme.
This preparation involves at least three different stages. Each stage is building links with the community and gaining an understanding of what it is to be baptised. The stages are:
- meeting the team and understanding the commitment,
- a discussion activity with other parents and the team,
- a welcome ceremony at church with the faith community,
- and the baptism liturgy with friends and family.
This preparation takes at least three months. The Baptism Ministry Team assists parents through the programme.
The registration process is available here and see further information about the Sacrament of Baptism.
We really look forward to meeting you and your child.
First Holy Communion
The First Holy Communion Preparation Programme involves: registration, an initial informational meeting for parents; and school, home and online/video content for child and parent collaboration and discussion.
The programme activities take place throughout the school year.
First Communion ceremonies take place annually during the late Spring/early Summer.
The Programme
The registration process for the forthcoming celebration (2022) closed on 5th November 2022.
Please reach out to sacramentalceremonies@gkpastoralarea.ie for more info.
To support the continuity of the preparation programme for you and your child, your financial support is appreciated.
Your donations allow us to keep our Sacramental Coordinators trained, qualified, garda-vetted, GDPR aware, and child-safe-guarded.
There are several ways to donate to the Sacramental Preparation Programme so that you can choose the most suitable option for yourself. Please give this consideration.
More info about the Family Preparation Programmes.
For families preparing for the celebration of the sacrament in 2022, please see the overview of the most important topics here.
See further information about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Confirmation
The Confirmation Preparation Progamme requires registration, attendance at a Service of Light ceremony in December, parental participation in the Alpha course, and video/online content for child and parent discussion.
There is Pastoral Area assistance for parents with children attending non-Catholic schools.
The Programme
The registration process for the forthcoming celebration (2022) closed on 5th November 2022.
Please reach out to sacramentalceremonies@gkpastoralarea.ie for more info.
To support the continuity of the preparation programme for you and your child, your financial support is appreciated.
Your donations allow us to keep our Sacramental Coordinators trained, qualified, garda-vetted, GDPR aware, and child-safe-guarded.
There are several ways to donate to the Sacramental Preparation Programme so that you can choose the most suitable option for yourself. Please give this consideration.
More info about the Family Preparation Programmes.
For families preparing for the celebration of the sacrament in 2022, please see the overview of the most important topics here.
See further information about the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Matrimony
Couples intending to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony have church and civil obligations to fulfil.
The Church expects couples to participate in a marriage preparation programme.
Civil obligations require you to give notification of your intention to marry to a Registrar at a civil registration office, at least 3 months before the intended date of the marriage.
The Pastoral Area Wedding Coordinator is available to assist you throughout the wedding preparation process.
See further information about the Sacrament of Matrimony