Baptism
This is a four-week course which is held in the houses of various parishioners and consists of an hour and a half instruction per week. It is often easier if this preparation is completed before the birth of the child.
Contact the parish office 020 8504 1686
1st Holy Communion and Reconciliation
Organised by parents and catechists. It extends over a period of 8 months during which time catechetical sessions are arranged for the children together with meetings for parents. Details are always given in the parish newsletter. Names must be entered before the cut-off date which is published in the parish newsletter.
Confirmation
The course includes a weekend retreat. Catechetical sessions are organised for the candidates as well as meetings for the parents.
Candidates must be in year 10 when they begin the course. At this age the candidates are young adults and should take responsibility for receiving this Sacrament as a personal religious commitment. A priest sees all candidates before joining this programme.
Marriage
This is a three-week course, held in a parishioners’ home and each session is approximately 1½ hours long. One week of the course is used for a wedding rehearsal. At least six month’s notice is usually required for a marriage. Couples who wish to marry should first contact a priest from the parish. We are reluctant to accept marriages from outside the parish unless there are very good reasons for the marriage to take place at St. Thomas’. Marriage Guidance is available, in confidence, from Marriage Care 01702 230805. Information regarding any of the Sacramental Preparation programmes can be obtained from the parish office