Can my baby be baptised at St Gregory's? How do I arrange a baptism?

Baptism is the first Sacrament and is therefore a very important step in faith. The Sacrament is celebrated in the Parish either during Mass, on request, or normally on Sundays at 12.30pm.

To fulfil Church requirements, you will normally live within the parish, though permission for pastoral reasons may be obtained from your own parish priest. At least one of the parents will be a Catholic, and a minimum of two god-parents are required, one of whom will be a Catholic.

To arrange a baptism, please speak directly with Father Mageean.

Q. Are there any guidelines about godparents at Baptism? Must there be two? Should they be Catholics? What is their role?
A. The role of the godparents is clear from the ceremony of Baptism. They are asked if they are willing to help the parents in their Christian duties: this involves the responsibility of bringing up the children in the practice of the Christian faith. Only a practising Catholic can take on that role with honesty. It is desirable to have two sponsors, male and female, although in certain circumstances one sponsor is sufficient. In this wonderful sacrament the religious commitment of the godparents has a far greater importance than any social aspects (Fr Silvester O'Flynn OFM Cap)

Can I be married in St Gregory's? How do I arrange a marriage? How much notice should I give?

The Church values marriage greatly and it is one of the Sacraments of the Church. For a couple to marry in church, both parties must be free to do so. One of the couple will normally reside in the parish, or for pastoral reasons, seek permission to marry within the parish. It is advisable to give as much notice as possible and the Deanery Churches provide regular Marriage Preparation Days for Engaged Couples.

To arrange a marriage, please speak directly with Father Mageean.

GETTING MARRIED?

What happens after the eagerly awaited wedding day and the honeymoon are over? What do you think your married life will be like?

There are “One Day” courses for couples preparing for marriage, held twice a year in Macclesfield.

The ‘day’ commences at about 10.00 am with a break for a buffet lunch ~ provided free ~ and finishes at about 3.30 pm.

Consisting of short talks and discussions with your partner in small groups, the aim is to provide a relaxed and informal opportunity to explore the ever changing relationship that is ‘marriage’

You think you know all about your partner? Come along anyway ~ you may have some surprises in store!

For further details of dates etc. please contact Fr. Mageean.