Sacraments - St. Joseph's Parish

Celebrating the sacraments is at the core of our parish life. Our big moments in life are marked in a solemn way from womb to tomb.

Here we provide all the details for the celebration of the sacraments in our parish.

Baptism

Baptism Dates and Arrangements

Baptism takes place in St Joseph’s Church, Baltinglass on the 2nd Sunday of every month at 12.15pm.

As dates vary for St. Mary’s Church, Stratford and St. Oliver Plunkett’s Church, Grangecon, please contact the Parish Office for details.

All arrangements should be made through the Parish Office at least three weeks prior to date of baptism.

Confirmation

Children traditionally receive the Sacraments of Confirmation in Sixth Class of Primary School. Although attending a Catholic school we no longer assume that all parents\guardians of Catholic children will want their child to receive this Sacrament. At the beginning of the academic year all children registered in the school as Catholic will be provided with a letter detailing what steps are to be taken if the parents\guardians decide that they wish their child to receive this sacrament.

The date for the Sacrament of Confirmation is set annually.

First Penance and Eucharist

Children traditionally receive the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist in Second Class of Primary School. Although attending a Catholic school we no longer assume that all parents\guardians of Catholic children will want their child to receive these Sacraments. At the beginning of the academic year all children registered in the school as Catholic will be provided with a letter detailing what steps are to be taken if the parents\guardians decide that they wish their child to receive these Sacraments.

The date for these Sacraments is set annually. First Penance is usually celebrated during Lent and First Eucharist in May.

Marriage

Weddings should be booked through the Parish Office. The Parish Secretary will advise you on what steps you need to take. A minimum of three months notice should be given.

Reconciliation (Confession)

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) takes place every Saturday after the 6p.m. Mass in St. Joseph’s Church.

Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

The sick and housebound of the parish are attended by the priests in their homes every month. Lay Ministers of the Eucharist are also available to bring Holy Communion to the sick on Sundays or in time of need, if requested to do so.

Those who are sick or infirm through old age may like to receive the strength of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. If you would like to be visited in your home by the priest monthly or at any time please contact the Parish Office.

Holy Orders – Ministry of the Priest

If you have an interest in finding out more about the path to priesthood or the permanent diaconate in this diocese, you are very welcome to contact our Diocesan Vocations Director. Click below for details.

Funeral Arrangements

To arrange a funeral ceremony please contact the Parish office or Fr. Ger Ahern PP.

See Bishop Denis Nulty’s Pastoral Letter ‘When a Loved One Dies.’