Baptism

Baptism (one of the three sacraments of initiation) is the means by which we are forgiven original sin, receive grace and become members of Christ’s Church.

At Baptism parents promise to raise their child in the practice of the faith, which means coming to Mass each Sunday, praying with your child and teaching them the beliefs of the Catholic Church.

Parents must take a Baptism preparation course if this is their first child to be baptised. If you would like your child to be Baptised, please complete our Baptism Enquiry Form and we will be in touch regarding the next steps.

For more information please contact cathedralenquiries@rcaos.org.uk or telephone 020 7928 5256.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation perfects and strengthens the grace given at Baptism and completes the initiation of the Catholic, enabling them to witness to Christ as His disciple in the world.

Here at St George’s we invite young people of Year 9 or above to join our programme of formation. Please see the weekly newsletter for details of when applications are being taken. The formation sessions take place on alternate Friday evenings between January and Pentecost. Adults who have not yet been confirmed - please see below ‘Becoming a Catholic’ for more information.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is generally conferred by Archbishop John Wilson at a special Mass on Pentecost Sunday.

For more information please contact cathedralenquiries@rcaos.org.uk or telephone 020 7928 5256.

Holy Eucharist

Section 1324 of the Catechism tells us: “The Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion) is "the source and summit of the Christian life… for in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself."

The Eucharist is the third sacrament of initiation and the only one of the three that can be received more than once. Frequent reception of the Eucharist helps us to live the Christian life by deepening our relationship with Christ and allowing Him to strengthen us if a very special way.

If your child is in year three at primary school, or is over eight years of age, they are eligible to apply for the First Holy Communion course. The sessions take place on a Saturday mornings between January and June.

The course starts in January and the First Holy Communion Mass will take place around the date of Corpus Christi.

For more information please contact cathedralenquiries@rcaos.org.uk or telephone 020 7928 5256.​

RCIA: Becoming a Catholic or Deepening Your Faith

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a structured programme in the Catholic Church for adults seeking to join the faith. It involves stages of education, spiritual formation, and rituals, leading to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The process culminates in the Easter Vigil, where participants are fully initiated into the Catholic Church. The RCIA offers a supportive and intentional pathway for individuals on their journey to embrace Catholicism.  You can complete the RCIA Enquiry Form here. 

For more information please contact cathedralenquiries@rcaos.org.uk or telephone 020 7928 5256.​

Marriage

The sacrament of Matrimony acknowledges a couple’s commitment to share their life together and to reveal God’s love to themselves and those around them through the witness of their married lives.

All those wishing to marry are required to give six months notice and to attend a course of preparation.

For more information please contact cathedralenquiries@rcaos.org.uk or telephone 020 7928 5256.​

Forms are available in the Cathedral Office.