Baptism:

Parents who wish to have their child baptised in St Edmund’s must attend a pre-baptism course. There are four courses every year and they are held in the Hall at 3.00pm on a Sunday afternoon. The session is very informal, and lasts for about an hour. Godparents are also welcome to attend. The locations and times are the same for each course, only the dates differ. Please collect a baptism pack from the presbytery. Further details from the parish office on 8650 0970, or Deacon Dennis on 8777 3472,

Sacrament of Reconciliation:

A priest is available for confessions in the church at the following times: 10.30am -11.0am every Saturday, And between 5.00pm and 6.00pm every Saturday We have two full penitential services every year to which priests from the neighbouring parishes are invited to assist. The first of these holds in the season of Advent, whilst the other one comes up during the season of Lent in the run-up to Easter.

Marriage: St Edmund’s is a registered place of marriage. Are you thinking of getting married in St Edmund’s? Please get in touch with any of the Clergy in good time (at least 6 months before) to get paperwork, marriage classes and other arrangements sorted out. The telephone numbers of the parish clergy are listed on the contact page

Confirmation:

Each year, in early summer, one of diocesan bishops comes round to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on our youngsters (occasionally we do have some adults joining in to get Confirmed). The preparation classes begin in late January each year, for further details contact Deacon Sean Murphy.

First Holy Communion:

In St Edmunds the month of June is the traditional month for the First Holy Communion Ceremonies. For children in the catholic school system, their preparation classes for the reception of Holy Communion are handled by the schools. Provisions are also in place for those children in the non-catholic school system; their classes are handled and organized by a group of catechists. Classes are held between 9.45 and 12.00 noon on Saturday mornings once a month in term time at St Mary’s School, Westgate Road, Beckenham. Using This is Our Faith programme over a 4-year period, Reception introduces the Catholic faith to age 5-6, Reconciliation at 7 with a Service for First Confession, Eucharist at 8 with Parish First Holy Communion and 9-10s expand their faith in the Top Class. Parish Catechists, together with parents, provide a sense of belonging and community. Contact Michael Basquill on 8663 0655