Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism preparation course:
St Mary’s and St Anthony’s run a joint baptism preparation course, which is just one session, and we run it once every six to eight weeks. To book your place on the course please contact your parish office.
Booking a Baptism:
Parents wishing to have their baby baptised need to contact the parish office to book a date. St Mary’s normally have Baptisms on Sundays and St Anthony’s normally have them on Saturdays.
St Mary’s parish office 01202 675412
St Anthony’s parish via St Mary’s office 01202 675412
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Would you like to know more about the Catholic Church, what we do and why? Do you have questions about God?
The RCIA is for anyone over 18, who is curious or questioning about their own faith or spirituality.
The programme for 2022/2023 started at the end of September 2022.
If you know of any adults who are thinking of becoming a Catholic or if you are a Catholic and wish to know more about your faith contact the parish office on 01202 675412 or poolestmary@prcdtr.org.uk or Diana Gasson.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
Children receive their first Reconciliation as part the the Fist Communion Programme (below) but it is an accepted tenet of the church’s teaching that all of us are sinners and need to be reconciled to God from time to time. The church obliges adults to seek to be reconciled at least twice a year and a habit of more regular acts of confession are good for the soul. For many, this is a nerve wracking experience but should not be as Jesus offers all of us the opportunity to unburden ourselves of the things we have done wrong or failed to do and to get a fresh start. Reconciliation/Confession is made available usually after a Saturday morning mass but can be at your request at almost any time. Please contact the parish office on 01202 675412.
First Holy Communion Programme
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION FOR 2025
There will be a meeting on Sunday, 7 July, after both the morning and the evening masses for parents who wish their children to make their first holy communion next year. You only need to attend one of the meetings.
In order to qualify your child must be in year three or above and you must live in the parish of either Poole St. Mary’s or St. Anthony’s.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, please let the church office know, and the Catechist will contact you to make alternative arrangements.
It is very important that if you wish your child to make their first communion next year that you attend this meeting.
Poole Parishes Confirmation Programme
Are you year 9 or above and ready to make a personal commitment of faith in your life? Then you might like to think about the Sacrament of Confirmation to complete the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, First Holy Communion and finally Confirmation.
This years candidates are meeting weekly to explore their faith, their relationship with God and the world around them.
Marriage
If you are thinking about getting married in either St Mary’s or St Anthony’s Church then you need to ring St Mary’s on 01202 675412 and make an appointment to see Fr. John.
The administrative and spiritual processes of preparation for marriage can take up to six months and all of those seeking to marry in the church are required to take part in a programme of marriage preparation such as those offered by Marriage Care of Smart Loving. You will be advised further of what may suit you best.
Holy Orders
The sacrament of Holy Orders is given to priest or Permanent Deacons at Ordination. Those discerning priestly ordination undertake formation over about six years at a seminary and anyone feeling called to tis ministry should speak to the Diocese Vocations Director (Fr Ralph Candy).
Married men may feel called to permanent Diaconate through part time formation at St Mary’s College, Oscott, one of the main seminaries in England. This parish has produced four Deacons since 1990 and has a further man in formation.
The religious (or monastic/convent) life is open to single men and women over eighteen and Sr Teresa, who originated in this parish took her final vows about three years ago, so our prayers are answered.
However, we still pray constantly that the Lord will awaken the vocational call to priesthood, diaconal or religious life among the people for our community, especially among the younger people.
If you would like to know more please speak to a member of our clergy.
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament is used for people who are already sick, may be preparing for an operation, or who may be suffering from a life limiting illness, or who are dying. Never be afraid to ask to be anointed if you are ill as the grace it brings will help you to cope. In emergencies, a priest will come day or night to those registered in the parish or at the request of Chaplains in the Hospital or Hospice to ensure a person’s soul is fully prepared for eternity.