The Sacraments

Baptism of Infants

It is surprising how many parents ask to have their baby baptised even though they have not been near a Church for ages! If you find yourself in this situation it does not mean that the Priest or Deacon will refuse to baptise your baby.
He will be concerned though that you may be unable or unwilling to share your faith with your child. This means he will probably want to make sure that you understand what obligations you are committing yourself to in asking for baptism for your baby.

In fairness to you and your child, he may suggest that you postpone the date of your childs baptism for a short while until you have had an opportunity to clear up any areas of difficulty or confusion so that the decision you make about your babys baptism is right and appropriate for you and your child.

It is for this reason that we at St Josephs request at least 3 months notice of a Baptism. This will give the parents time to return to church and consider more fully why they want to have their child baptised. At baptism, your baby joins God's family and becomes a baby Christian. Being baptised is the beginning of something very special, it is not an isolated event or a magic moment which acts like a good luck charm. Jesus Christ asks us to baptise in His name so that you and God can work together in partnership throughout the crucial years ahead as your child grows to maturity.

The Baptism of babies and infants usually takes place on Sunday afternoons at 2.30 pm.
Three months notice is required for all baptisms. Preparation for baptism is obligatory, and this is normally held on the second Monday of each month (except August) at 7.30 pm in the Skip Appleton Room. Please check with Deacon Duncan to confirm dates and times.

Enquiries to
- Deacon Duncan on 020 8460 4189, email Deacon.Duncan@StJosephsBromley.org.uk
- Sister Maureen on 020 8402 0532

Preparation for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

Parents and guardians who wish their children (in school year 3 or older) to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion should collect a registration form from the Parish Office, following an announcement in the Parish Bulletin in the Spring.
Classes are held on Sunday morning from 10.30 am to 11.30 am during term time at St Joseph's Primary School.

Enquiries to Gary Cullen on 020 8402 0641

Confirmation - Click here: Programme details.

Confirmation is the third and last of the Sacraments of Initiation, the first two being Baptism and First Holy Communion. Confirmation is the opportunity for the candidate to confirm his or her baptism through the power of the Holy Spirit. To receive Confirmation must be the candidate's own decision, and then only if the idea of commitment is fully understood.

Advance notice of the Confirmation programme is given in the Parish Bulletin during Advent. The programme begins in January and is held on Sunday evenings in term time from 6 pm to 7 pm. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated annually in May or June.



Preparation for Marriage

Two events have focussed attention on marriage.

The first was the statement by the second Vatican Council emphasizing the personal and loving qualities of marriage which opened a whole new chapter on the theology of marriage.

The second has been the monumental increase in divorce in the last 30 years, attacking the fundamental Christian belief in the permanency of marriage. It has underlined the need to provide a better preparation for marriage, and much greater support for couples after the wedding.

At St. Joseph's we have established a Parish team approach in which five married couples offer those planning to marry the opportunity to talk to each other in an informal atmosphere. Using their own experience of married life their aim is to help couples cope with the problems and pitfalls through better communication. These very informal discussions are arranged during the six-month notice period required for marriages.

For further information contact: Mike and Rosemary Cox on 020 8466 0573

Journey in Faith

This is for non-Catholics who are interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith. A group of lay people and one of our priests meet with enquirers to explore within a relaxed and informal way what it means to be a Catholic today.

An introductory information meeting is held each year in June, then starting in September meetings are held on alternate Monday evenings at 8 pm in the Club Room for talks, discussions and prayer.

If you would like to know more, please contact:
- Canon Tom or Father Arbo on 020 8402 0459 
- Mary Crosby on 020 8857 5067;
- Paul Adams on 020 8467 3738;

Landings

Landings is for Catholics who wish to return to the Church having been away. We are a small group of parishioners who want to help bring returning Catholics back to the Church. This is a gentle programme of 10 meetings consisting of prayers, stories and reflections with music and refreshments. We meet in the Bishop Clarke Suite on dates agreed with all members. Anyone can join at any time and leave at any time if they feel the programme is not suitable.

If you would like to know more, please contact
- Deacon Duncan on 020 8460 4189, email: Duncan.Aitkins@StJosephsBromley.org.uk;
- Bernie Sheehan on 020 8464 2120;
- Ros Bray on 020 8295 1736