The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church celebrates seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The sacraments are sacred signs through which God’s grace is shared with us at important moments of our lives. They strengthen us and help us grow in our relationship with God and with the Church. The seven sacraments are grouped into three categories: the Sacraments of Initiation, the Sacraments of Healing, and the Sacraments of Service and Commitment.
The Sacraments of Initiation
1. Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation in the Catholic Church and marks the beginning of a lifelong journey with Christ. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin, become children of God, and are welcomed into the Church. Rooted in the example of Jesus’ own baptism, this sacrament transforms us through the power of the Holy Spirit, calling us to holiness and new life. If you are planning to baptize your baby, please download the form below, complete it, and contact the parish office to check available dates.
Please download the form hereBaptism in Another Parish or Overseas
Some families choose to baptize their children at their parental parish, either in the UK or overseas. In such cases, the parish priest may request a consent letter from your home parish. If you require a consent letter, please download the attached form, complete it, and have it signed after one of the Masses. We kindly ask that this process be done in person, as it helps us avoid unnecessary risks related to data protection through email or other electronic means.
Thank you for your understanding.
2.Confirmation
Many Catholics receive Baptism as infants, when their parents and godparents make the profession of faith on their behalf. As they grow and come to understand their faith more profoundly, they receive Confirmation with their knowledge and willingness. This sacrament strengthens the grace received at Baptism and deepens our relationship with God. Through the laying on of hands and anointing with sacred chrism, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation strengthens us to live as committed followers of Christ and gives us courage to witness to our faith and share the Gospel with others.
3.The Holy Eucharist
In the Eucharist, we receive Jesus Christ truly present in the sacred Body and Blood under the signs of bread and wine. The Eucharist nourishes our faith and strengthens us for our daily journey as followers of Christ. By sharing in the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and with one another as members of his Body, the Church. The Eucharist is the great gift of Christ, who gives himself completely to us and remains with us in love.
The Sacraments of Healing
4. Reconciliation (Confession)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, is a sacrament of forgiveness, healing, and renewed friendship with God. Because we are human, we sometimes turn away from God through our thoughts, words, actions, or failures to do what is right. Sin can weaken our relationship with God and with others. In this sacrament, we are invited to acknowledge our sins honestly, express genuine sorrow, and seek God’s mercy. During Confession, we bring our sins before God through the ministry of the priest. After listening to our confession and offering guidance, the priest gives absolution in the name of Christ. Through this sacramental forgiveness, we are reconciled with God and restored to the life of grace. We are also encouraged to make amends where possible and to live with a renewed commitment to follow Christ. The Sacrament of Reconciliation reminds us that God’s mercy is always greater than our failures. It gives us the grace to leave behind what separates us from God, to begin anew with hope, and to grow in peace and holiness.
5. Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of God’s compassion, strength, and healing. It is offered to those who are sick, experiencing the weakness of old age, or preparing for major surgery. We are allowed to receive this sacrament as many times as we want. Through prayer, the laying on of hands, and anointing with holy oil, the Church entrusts the sick person to the loving care of Christ. This sacrament brings spiritual strength and consolation to those who are suffering. It brings forgiveness of sins and healing of body and mind. More importantly, it reminds the person who is sick that they are not alone: Christ is present in their suffering and remains close to them in every moment of weakness and difficulty. The sacrament also unites the suffering of the sick person with the suffering and Passion of Jesus. In this way, their pain and weakness can become an offering of faith and trust in God. The Anointing of the Sick gives courage, peace, and hope, helping the person to face illness with confidence in God’s loving presence.
The Sacraments of Service and Commitment
6. Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops for a special ministry of service to God and his people. Through the sacrament of Ordination, the Church, the Body of Christ, asks God to bless and strengthen those who are called to serve the Christian community and to be a visible sign of Christ’s presence among his people. The three orders—deacon, priest, and bishop—each have a distinct ministry within the Church. Deacons are called to serve the Church and the wider community, witnessing in a special way to the Christian call to serve others. Priests are called to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and guide and care for the people entrusted to them. Bishops, as successors of the apostles, are called to teach the faith, shepherd God’s people, and lead the Church in communion with the Pope. The central signs of the sacrament are the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration by the bishop. Through Holy Orders, those ordained receive the grace and strength to carry out their ministry faithfully and to serve and shepherd God’s people. In a special way, the sacrament expresses the call of every Christian, received at Baptism, to live a life of service and love.
7. Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony, or the Sacrament of Marriage, is the lifelong covenant of love and faithfulness between a man and a woman. Through this sacrament, a husband and wife give themselves to one another in a loving and faithful partnership, reflecting the faithful and unconditional love of Christ for his Church. Marriage is not just a social contract or the celebration of human love. It is a vocation and a sacrament through which God is present in the life of the couple. The love shared between husband and wife becomes a visible sign of God’s own love, mercy, generosity, kindness, and compassion. With God’s grace, they are strengthened to remain faithful to one another through both the joys and challenges of life. In the Sacrament of Matrimony, husband and wife promise to love and support each other throughout their lives and to welcome and nurture children according to the teachings of the Catholic faith. Their family life becomes a place where faith is lived, love is shared, and God’s presence is made visible. Through their mutual love and self-giving, married couples contribute to the life of the Church and to the good of society. Their faithful love witnesses to Christ’s enduring love for his Body, the church.
Nowadays, church weddings are becoming increasingly popular. If you are planning a wedding at Holy Angels Church, please fill in the booking form (first page) and contact the parish priest to arrange an appointment. Before meeting the priest, take some time to sit quietly and write down any questions you may have, and discuss them during your meeting. A list of required documents is included with the form to help with your preparations. If you are a member of another parish and wish to get married at Holy Angels, you are advised to obtain a No Objection Certificate from your parish priest. Holy Angels Church has a car park, woodland, and garden areas available for photography after the wedding. We also have a church hall that can comfortably accommodate up to 80 people, with access to the garden. Although we have a large kitchen, cooking facilities are not available. However, food may be warmed in the kitchen if you are using caterers. There are three restaurants adjacent to the church that can cater to your meal requirements if booked in advance. The church is located approximately 2.5 miles from Manchester Airport, providing easy access for guests travelling from overseas. You are welcome to bring your own priest to preside over your wedding. However, it is mandatory that any visiting priest from outside the diocese provides a valid and up-to-date Celebret in order to lead any service in the church. Your goodwill is our church’s best asset. Any voluntary donations you choose to make toward the maintenance of the church would be sincerely appreciated.
Marriage Preparation Course
For information on the marriage preparation course, please visit the relevant
website: Marriage Care
www.marriagecare.org.uk
Civil Documentation:
It is important not to overlook the civil documentation required before your wedding. Please contact your local register office to complete the Notice of Marriage process. Be sure to check the validity period of the Notice or marriage schedule before making any bookings.
Choose your Hymns
- O Lord, My God (How Great Thou Art)
A beautiful hymn of praise expressing wonder at God’s greatness through creation and salvation. (Lyrics: Carl Boberg; English adaptation: Stuart K. Hine) - I, the Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am, Lord)
A hymn of vocation and response, inviting us to answer God’s call with the words, “Here I am, Lord.”( Words and music: Dan Schutte) - Give Me Joy in My Heart
A joyful and simple hymn asking God to fill our hearts with love, peace and happiness. (Author: Unknown) - Jerusalem
A hymn expressing a vision of holiness and the building of God’s kingdom on earth. (Words: William Blake; Music: C. Hubert H. Parry) - Shine, Jesus, Shine
A joyful prayer asking Christ’s light to shine in our hearts and transform the world through God’s love. (Words and music: Graham Kendrick) - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
A prayer asking God’s perfect love to dwell within us and lead us towards holiness and Christian perfection. (Words: Charles Wesley; Music: Several traditional tunes) - Here I Am, Lord
A hymn of dedication and service, expressing a willingness to respond to God’s call to serve others. (Words and music: Dan Schutte) - Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
A peaceful hymn asking God to make us instruments of peace, love, forgiveness and reconciliation. (Words and music: Sebastian Temple, based on the Prayer of St Francis). - One Bread, One Body
A Eucharistic hymn celebrating the unity of God’s people as one body sharing in the one bread and one cup. (Words and music: John Foley, S.J.) - Ave Maria
A devotional setting of the Hail Mary, honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary and asking for her intercession. (Music: Franz Schubert; text: based on Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake and the Hail Mary)
Overseas Weddings
If you are preparing for an overseas wedding, please refer to the application form, which includes a list of required documents. You must complete the application form and provide the following details:
• Name of the presiding priest
• Address of the parish
• Address of the diocese
Where possible, these details should be typed and emailed to the parish priest, as handwritten information—especially in foreign languages—can be difficult to read.
