God with us

What is Baptism?

Through Baptism, we become sons and daughters of God and are brought into that most mysterious communion with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It marks our soul for life and eternity.

‘Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the Sacrament of regeneration through water in the Word.’’ Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213

How can I have my child baptised at St Patrick’s?

Baptism is a Sacrament of faith, and the Church asks for a serious and loving commitment by the parents and godparents of a child to live the life of the Sacraments. Catholics who belong to the parish need to approach the parish priest. Those from other parishes need the permission of their parish priest before arranging Baptism at St Patrick’s. If you are from this parish, please speak to the priest after Mass or contact the parish office.Baptisms at St Patrick’s are celebrated by appointment with the parish priest for a day that is convenient. Generally, only one child is baptised at each ceremony. Although there is no charge for Baptism, it is customary to make a donation to the church.

Requesting a baptismal certificate

Should you wish to request a baptismal certificate, please contact our parish office.

What is Confession?

Confession (or Reconciliation or Penance) is the Sacrament in which we receive forgiveness from Christ. We repent and confess our sins, and are absolved of sin through the ministry of a priest, who acts in the person of Christ when he pronounces the words "I absolve you from your sins in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".

‘On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, Jesus showed himself to his apostles.’ … ‘He breathed on them, and said to them: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’ John 20:19, 22-23

Why is Confession important?

Confession is important because it is the normal way we can be forgiven for serious sins committed after Baptism. Sin damages our relationship with God and with the Church. It is this Sacrament that reconciles us once again with God. Regular confession is important because it helps us to come close to Christ and develop a mature conscience. The act of confessing itself bestows healing and a sense of release from the burden of sin.

‘ ... we cannot comprehend the goodness of God towards us in instituting this great Sacrament of Penance. If we had had a favour to ask of Our Lord, we should never have thought of asking Him that. But He foresaw our frailty and our inconstancy in well-doing, and His love induced Him to do what we should not have dared to ask.’ St Jean-Marie Vianney

If we have missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation or have committed a serious sin, it is important to go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion. In Confession, the penitent is asked to confess their sins, express contrition, and by penance seek to amend their lives. It is a journey of beauty through which we seek to die to the old self and be born again in Christ who is all beauty, bestowed upon us in Baptism.

How can I go to Confession at St Patrick’s?

Visit our Mass times page to find out when Confession is available in the church.

Confessions can also be made by personal appointment with a priest. Normally, Confession happens in the confessional or, by choice or the challenge of access, the priest can move to a bench.

For children or adults who have never been to Confession, it is advisable to make an appointment for catechetical classes with the parish priest. For those who are already Baptised but are wishing to receive either First Holy Communion or Confirmation, it is necessary that you first receive the Sacrament of Confession.

If you have not received the Sacrament of Confession for several years, do not be afraid. The priest is there to help. When you go to Confession, simply tell the priest that it has been a long time and ask him for guidance.

Confession Times

What is First Holy Communion?

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is the Eucharist, which we receive at Holy Mass and which we believe is the real physical and spiritual presence of Jesus Christ. As Catholics, we take Jesus at His word when He says ‘This is my body, which is given for you’ (Luke 22:19).

‘When we receive Holy Communion, we receive our joy and our happiness ... The good God, wishing to give Himself to us in the Sacrament of His love, gave us a vast and great desire, which He alone can satisfy.’ St John Vianney

How can my child receive First Holy Communion at St Patrick’s?

Children begin preparation for the reception of their First Holy Communion when they are seven years old. Since St Patrick’s church is not attached to a school, First Holy Communion sessions take place within the parish. They occur weekly and start in the autumn term.Please contact the parish office for more information.

What is First Holy Communion?

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord. In this way, the Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism.

‘Baptism, the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘Sacraments of Christian initiation’, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For ‘by the Sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptised] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.’ Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285

How can my child be Confirmed at St Patrick’s?

Young people begin their preparation for Confirmation when they are thirteen years old. Please contact the parish office for more information.

What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?

The Sacrament of Matrimony is a vow of love made before and through God and the Church and therefore we need to approach it with reverence and awe. God has fashioned this Sacrament to show forth His love and to bring life into the world.

Marriage is the call to be open to life, to receive it as a gift, and to bring it into the world. God has intended the act of marital love as the means of expressing our desire for intimacy, one in which we, as responsible parents, are open to the gift of life. Marriage is fashioned by God as the institution by which children are welcomed into the world, loved, and come to know their heavenly Father. Through marriage preparation, the Church hopes all couples will be able to discern how this beautiful vocation is about growing in uniting love and cooperating with God in creating His children.

What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?

The sacredness of marriage: Marriage is not merely a human agreement between two consenting individuals; it is a relationship before and under God (Genesis 2:22). It is a reflection of the nuptial life of the Holy Trinity.

‍The intimacy of marriage: Marriage is the most intimate of all human relationships, uniting a man and a woman in a "one-flesh" union (Genesis 2:23 -25). Marriage involves "leaving" one's family of origin and "being united" to one's spouse. It is unitive in the making of two into a union of one in an unconditional, selfless and life-giving love.

‍The mutuality of marriage: Marriage is a relationship of free self-giving of one human being to another (Ephesians 5:25-30). The marriage partners are to be first and foremost concerned about the well-being of the other person and to be committed to each other in steadfast love and devotion. This involves the need for forgiveness.

‍The exclusiveness of marriage: Marriage is not only permanent, sacred, intimate, and mutual; it is also exclusive (Genesis 2:22-25; 1 Corinthians 7:2-5). This means that no other human relationship must interfere with the marriage commitment between husband and wife.

How can I arrange marriage preparation at St Patrick’s?

Inherent in the preparation for matrimony is the call to chastity and a true openness to life. Preparation happens with the priest (potentially with other couples) and includes formation in fertility awareness and openness to life. It is a beautiful time and, if engaged in wholeheartedly, yields much fruit for a long, pure, and faith-filled marriage contract.

The Diocese insists upon at least six months’ notice before the expected date of marriage. To attend marriage preparation at St Patrick’s, get in touch with our parish office.

How can I have my wedding at St Patrick’s?

No date for marriage can be fixed at St Patrick’s or elsewhere before the priest’s agreement has been obtained. If you wish to get married at St. Patrick’s and are not a parishioner, you must first approach your own parish priest who is responsible for the ecclesiastical papers, approval and preparation. Only after you have completed this should you contact St Patrick’s.

For the music (which must be sacred), we recommend that you approach our Choir Director, Breda McKinney.

St Patrick’s does not allow confetti in the church, nor does Westminster City Council on the pavement outside. For parishioners, it is the custom to make a donation to the church; for non-parishioners, there is a set fee. It is the responsibility of all hoping to get married at St. Patrick’s to obtain, from their local Registry Office, a certificate/licence which allows them to do so. After the celebration of the wedding, the newly married couple will receive a marriage certificate.

Email our Choir Director

What is the Holy Orders?

Holy Orders is the Sacrament through which the mission Christ entrusted to his apostles continues in the Church today. It is given in three degrees: bishop, priest and deacon. Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration, a man is set apart to serve God's people: to preach the Gospel, to shepherd the faithful, and above all to make Christ present in the sacraments.

'Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate.' Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1536

How can I explore a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate?

If you sense God may be calling you to the priesthood or the permanent diaconate, the first step is simply to speak to a priest. Fr Alexander and the clergy at St Patrick's would be glad to walk with you as you pray and discern your next step. You can also contact the Vocations team of the Diocese of Westminster.

Westminster Vocations

What is the Anointing of the Sick?

The Sacrament of the Sick is administered normally in situations of the immediate prospect of surgery, for those who are significant of age, or those in danger of death.

How can I arrange for the Anointing of the Sick?

Please contact either the Parish Priest or, if he is unavailable, any neighbouring priest. Please also be aware that there are major hospitals close to the West End, all of which have well-resourced chaplaincy departments and, therefore, a good availability of priests.

The Sacraments