Christ entrusted seven sacraments to His Church — sacred signs through which we encounter His grace at every stage of life. From the waters of Baptism to the sacred oils of the Anointing of the Sick, the sacraments accompany us on our journey of faith, drawing us ever closer to God and to one another.
Baptism is the first and foundational sacrament, the gateway to life in Christ and to all the other sacraments. Through the waters of Baptism, we are freed from sin, reborn as children of God, and welcomed into the Church — the family of believers.
In the Diocese of Down & Connor, we rejoice each time a child or adult is baptised. It is a moment of profound grace for the individual, for the family, and for the whole parish community.
To arrange a Baptism for your child, please contact your local parish office. Most parishes celebrate Baptism on a Saturday or Sunday, and parents are asked to attend a short preparation session beforehand.
What you will need:
In the Diocese of Down & Connor, children typically receive their First Holy Communion in Primary 4 (around the age of seven or eight). Preparation is a partnership between the home, the school, and the parish.
The role of parents:
Contact your child's school or local parish for details of the preparation schedule in your area.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. At every Mass, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ — a mystery of faith that has nourished the Church since the Last Supper. To receive Holy Communion is to receive Christ Himself.
The celebration of the Eucharist — the Mass — lies at the heart of every parish in Down & Connor. It is where we gather as a community, hear God's Word, and are fed for the journey of life.
If you have been away from the Church and would like to return to receiving the sacraments, you are always welcome. Please speak to any priest in the diocese — they will be glad to help.
In Confirmation, the baptised person is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened for their mission as a follower of Christ. It completes the grace of Baptism and binds the person more firmly to the Church.
In Down & Connor, the sacrament of Confirmation is typically conferred by the Bishop (or his delegate) and is normally celebrated when young people are in Primary 7, around the age of ten or eleven.
The Bishop's visit to a parish for Confirmation is always a joyful occasion — a sign of the unity of the local community with the wider Church.
Children preparing for Confirmation follow a programme of catechesis in school, supported by the parish and the family. The programme helps young people to:
Adults who have not been confirmed may also receive this sacrament. Please contact your parish priest for more information.
Before going to Confession, it is helpful to spend a few moments in quiet prayer, examining your conscience. You might reflect on:
If it has been a long time since your last Confession, do not be afraid. Simply tell the priest, and he will gently guide you through the process. You will always be received with compassion.
Confession times vary by parish. Most parishes offer Confession on Saturday afternoons and before Vigil or Sunday Mass. Check your local parish for specific times.
The sacrament of Reconciliation — also known as Confession or Penance — is one of the great gifts Christ gave to His Church. Through this sacrament, we receive God's forgiveness for our sins and are reconciled with Him and with the community of the Church.
Pope Francis has often called the confessional "a place of mercy, not a torture chamber." Whatever burdens you carry, whatever time has passed, the Lord is always waiting to welcome you back with open arms.
Many parishes across the diocese also celebrate communal penitential services during Advent and Lent, offering additional opportunities for this sacrament.
The sacrament of Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, established by God and raised by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. In marriage, the couple vow to love and honour each other for life, and the grace of the sacrament strengthens them to fulfil that promise.
The Diocese of Down & Connor warmly accompanies couples as they prepare for this lifelong commitment. The Church wants your wedding day to be beautiful — and your marriage to be even more so.
If you are planning to get married in the Catholic Church, here is what you need to know:
The Anointing of the Sick may be received by anyone who is:
Do not wait until the very last moment to call a priest. The sacrament is most effective when the person is able to participate consciously in the prayers and anointing.
Many parishes also celebrate a communal Anointing of the Sick during the year, often near the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (11 February) or during a special parish celebration.
Contact Your ParishThe Anointing of the Sick brings the healing touch of Christ to those who are ill, suffering, or nearing the end of life. Through the anointing with the Oil of the Sick and the prayers of the priest, the person receives strength, peace, and courage to endure their suffering in union with Christ.
This sacrament is not only for those at the point of death. The Church encourages anyone facing serious illness or the frailties of old age to receive this beautiful sacrament of comfort and grace.
If a loved one is seriously ill, do not hesitate to contact your parish priest at any time — priests are always willing to attend to the sick, day or night.
Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops to serve the People of God. The ordained minister acts in the person of Christ the Head, preaching the Word, celebrating the sacraments, and shepherding the faithful.
The Diocese of Down & Connor prays constantly for vocations to the priesthood and the diaconate. If you feel God may be calling you — or if you know someone who might have a vocation — we encourage you to explore that call.
Seminarians from Down & Connor are formed at St Patrick's College, Maynooth, and at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. The diocese also has a growing permanent diaconate programme.
A vocation to the priesthood or diaconate often begins as a quiet stirring in the heart — a sense that God may be asking something more. Here are some steps you might take:
Are you an adult who is interested in becoming a Catholic? Perhaps you were never baptised, or you were baptised in another Christian tradition and feel drawn to the Catholic Church. The RCIA is the path the Church offers for adults who wish to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
The RCIA is a journey of faith, not a course to be passed. It involves learning about Catholic teaching, prayer, and the Scriptures, accompanied by members of the parish community who walk alongside you as sponsors and companions.
The journey typically begins in the autumn and culminates at the Easter Vigil, when candidates are received into full communion with the Catholic Church — one of the most moving celebrations in the Church's year.
If you are thinking about becoming Catholic, or if you simply want to learn more, you are warmly welcome. There is no obligation and no pressure — just an open door.
Many who have completed the RCIA describe it as one of the most significant experiences of their lives. Whatever stage you are at in your journey, we would love to hear from you.
Find a Parish Near YouWhen a loved one dies, the Catholic Church surrounds the bereaved family with prayer, compassion, and the hope of the Resurrection. The funeral rites of the Church are not simply a farewell — they are an act of faith, commending the soul of the deceased to the mercy of God.
The Catholic funeral typically includes three stages: the vigil (wake prayers), the Funeral Mass, and the Rite of Committal at the graveside or crematorium. Each part of the ritual is rich with Scripture, prayer, and the consolation of the community.
In the Diocese of Down & Connor, the parish priest and community are ready to support you through every stage of bereavement. The Church's prayers do not end at the funeral — we continue to pray for the faithful departed at every Mass.
When a death occurs, the family should contact the parish priest as soon as possible. The priest will:
Family members are encouraged to participate in the funeral liturgy — through readings, the Prayers of the Faithful, bringing up the gifts, or sharing a reflection at the vigil.
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them."
