Sacraments

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

Today, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates seven ‘Sacraments’.
A Sacrament is a sign of a particular grace which strengthens our faith and spiritual life and draws us into greater union and intimacy with God.

The Sacraments can be placed into three categories;

1. The Sacraments of Initiation

2. The Sacraments of Healing

3. The Sacraments at the Service of Communion and the Mission of the Faithful

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.

(From the Catechism of the Catholic Church.)

Our Parish community welcomes each individual baptised in our church with great joy. In St. Mary’s Parish baptisms take place at 12noon Mass on every Sunday of the month in our Cathedral (except for Sundays when Holy Communion, Confirmation or other extraordinary celebrations occur). Families bring those to be baptised to 12noon Mass where they are welcomed to their Christian Family, our Parish Community, just before the final blessing. The Baptism Ceremony then continues in the Cathedral Baptistry immediately after Mass. (There will possibly be multiple baptisms on the same day.)

If you would like to arrange for the Baptism of your child please contact the Parish Office with one months’ notice on 071 9162670 or email info@sligocathedral.ie or call or text our Baptism Coordinators, Mary Meehan and Therese Thompson on 086 1621875. There is an application form to be filled out and a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate must be provided. The form will be posted out to parents and all documents can be returned in the pre-adressed envelope provided. 

To acknowledge the central role that the Sacrament of Baptism plays on the journey of faith Sligo Parishes Cluster (The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; St Anne’s & Carraroe; Strandhill & Ransboro; Rosses Point; St Joseph’s & Calry) have an initiative for parents who are preparing to have a child baptised. This is intended to help parents to deepen their own understanding of baptism and to prepare them better for their responsibilities as Christian parents. Parents are invited to join the one hour of reflection in the Gillooly Hall, Temple Street, Sligo. This course will take place on the third Tuesday of every month at 8.00pm and is completely free of charge. Parents must attend this course prior to the baptism of each child. 

While you are allowed to photograph the ceremony we request that no photographs be taken in the Sanctuary after the baptism is completed. You may take more photographs outside.

SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST – FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The pupils of Scoil Ursula, St. John’s and the Gael Scoil receive their First Holy Communion in the Cathedral each summer. Click here for current dates and times for each school.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is administered by the Bishop for the pupils of Scoil Ursula, St. John’s and the Gael Scoil in the Cathedral each summer. Click here for current dates and times for each school.

Anyone else in the parish who hasn’t received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and who would like to receive it, should contact their local priest, and he will make the necessary arrangements.

Please click here for other sacraments.