Holy Communion

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples. ‘Take it and eat,’ he said, ‘this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he handed it to them saying, ‘Drink from this, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28

A Detail from a stained glass window in St. Edward’s Church

Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. From the beginning the Church has repeated His actions and words and has celebrated the Sacrifice of the Eucharist at every Mass. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life…for in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself…” (#1324). Through the reception of Jesus’ Body and Blood in Holy Communion we remember his death and Resurrection. Through Holy Communion we receive grace to strengthen us and help us grow in the life of Christ, offering “thanksgiving and praise to God the Father, the sacrificial memorial of Christ and His Body, the presence of Christ by the power of His word and of His Spirit” (#1381).

Groups within our parish help with the ministry and preparation for the Eucharist.

Eucharistic Ministers help take Communion to the sick and housebound, carrying Holy Communion and the Word of God to those unable to attend church.
Preparation to receive Holy Communion takes place ages 7+ within the Catholic schools of St. Edward’s and St. Thomas More Primary Schools in Kettering. For children in non-Catholic primary schools in the area there are special classes available.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Course is an exploration of the Catholic faith course for adults which may involve preparation for First Holy Communion.

Eucharistic Ministers

General Contacts:

Holy Trinity and St. Bernadette Church, via Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org
St. Edward’s Church, Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org
St. Nicholas Owen Church, Eileen Lovett via email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org(please state the name of the person you wish to contact at the beginning of the message)

This ministry is not new, it existed in the early Church when parishes were widespread and transport was effectively non-existent. The Ministry was restored in 1973 by Pope Paul VI and in 1974 in Northamptonshire Diocese by Bishop Charles Grant. Invitation to undergo training for this ministry is at the discretion of the Parish Priest. The duties of a Eucharistic Minister are first and foremost to take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound wherever they may be (home, care home, hospital etc). When a parishioner cannot get to church, the church goes to them.

On the fourth Sunday every second month, Eucharistic Ministers lead a Liturgy of the Word service in the Chapel at Kettering General Hospital. A service is also taken in a Care Home. Some 30 or more sick, elderly and housebound parishioners receive Holy Communion in this way. Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest at Mass in distributing Holy Communion.

Contacts:

Eucharistic Minister’s training coordinator, Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org
Kettering General Hospital Sunday Communion Rota, Catherine Roberts 01536 518911.
St Mary’s Hospital Sunday Communion Rota, Pauline Anderton 01536 514302.
See also Parish Rotas

Preparation for Reconciliation and Holy Communion

St. Edward’s Church
Contacts: Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org; Maureen Everington 01536 513516

Meeting: 9.00-10 am each Saturday from the first in the January school term until the last Saturday in June in St. Edward’s Church Hall. These classes are for children who attend non-catholic schools but are from Catholic families and who wish to receive the Sacraments. The minimum age for attendance is 7+ (Year 3 in school).

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Contacts: Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org; Rose Stokes 01536 460909.
Parish Group Page: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – Parish Group Page
Website: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

An exploration of the Catholic faith, the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has its roots in the very earliest days of the Church, when communities were anxious to pass on their new found faith in Jesus to others. This RCIA course is open to all who would like to know more about the Catholic faith, especially those who are considering becoming a Catholic (whether a baptised Christian or not). The course is also suitable for active or non-practising Catholics who wish to explore their faith in more depth.

The course is delivered in one evening session per week over several months. For those who feel ready this may lead up to being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.

Topics explored in depth using the Catechism, scripture and other accepted sources will include: Old and New Testaments; the Trinity; the lives of Jesus and Mary; sin and forgiveness; Baptism and Confirmation; the Eucharist; marriage, death and resurrection.
If you would like to help with this course by attending as a potential sponsor for the catechumens/ candidates and/or to assist with faith sharing or to be a prayer partner from home (especially suitable for the housebound) please contact Rose Stokes 01536 460909.