Sacraments

Baptism at Our Lady of Dolours

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…”
— Matthew 28:19

Baptism is the beginning of the Christian journey.
It is the gateway to life with God and to becoming part of the Church. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin, reborn as children of God, united with Christ, and welcomed into the Christian community.

The word “baptism” means to plunge or immerse — a powerful symbol of dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ.

For Parents

Baptism is your child’s first step on the path of faith.
By requesting Baptism, you commit to teaching your child about God and nurturing their faith through active participation in the Church’s life.

During the ceremony, you will:

• Speak on your child’s behalf

• Renounce sin

• Profess your faith

• Promise to guide your child in Christian living

You’ll be supported by:

• The Godparents, who help guide your child’s faith journey

• The Parish community, especially the Baptism Team

Choosing a Godparent

Please keep these guidelines in mind:

• Must be at least 16 years old

• Must be baptised, confirmed, and have received First Communion

• Must actively live the Catholic faith

• Only one Godparent is required, but traditionally, parents choose both a Godmother and Godfather

Steps to Arrange a Baptism

1. Register
Contact the Parish Office to begin the process. You’ll be connected with a member of the Baptism Team and receive the necessary forms.

2. Submit Documents
Return the completed Baptism form along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
If you live outside the parish, you’ll also need a letter of permission from your own parish.

3. Prepare for the Ceremony
You’ll need to provide:

• A white baptismal garment (shawl or blanket)

• A baptismal candle

• A few short prayers for the ceremony

4. Attend the Baptism
Baptisms take place on the first Sunday of the month, immediately after the 11:00am Mass. Parents and Godparents are encouraged to attend Mass.

After the ceremony, your child’s name is entered into the parish Baptism Register. A Baptism certificate can be issued at any time in the future.

5. Donation
A donation of approximately €50 is welcome and may be given on the day to a member of the Baptism Team.

6. Photos
We ask that photos not be taken during the ceremony, but feel free to take pictures afterwards at the altar or baptismal font.

Need More Info?

We’re here to help.
📞 Call us during office hours: (01) 797 9153
📧 Email: ourladyofdoloursparish@gmail.com

Baptisms take place on the first Sunday of the month, after the 11:00am Mass.
We look forward to welcoming your family into our community.

The Eucharist – Source, Summit, and Heart of Our Faith

The Church teaches, and the Second Vatican Council affirms, that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” For Catholics, the Eucharist is not merely a symbol or a reminder, it is the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ made present under the appearance of bread and wine. In every Mass, we encounter the same Jesus who walked the earth, died on the Cross, and rose again for our salvation.

Gathering each Sunday for Mass is therefore not simply a routine or obligation, it is the life-giving centre of who we are as a people of faith. In the Eucharist, we:

• Listen to God’s living Word

• Offer thanks and sacrifice with Christ

• Receive the Bread of Life that strengthens and transforms us

• Are sent forth to bring Christ into the world

When we receive Holy Communion, we receive Jesus Himself, not a symbol, but a Person. This intimate encounter with the Lord gives us the grace to love as He loves, to forgive as He forgives, and to live as His disciples in our families, workplaces, and communities.

Weekly Mass is also a moment of unity, where we stand as one Body, supporting and challenging one another to grow in holiness. As we are fed by Christ, we are called to feed others, especially those who are poor, forgotten, or alone. The Eucharist sends us on mission, reminding us that every act of charity and justice flows from the altar and leads back to it.

The Eucharist is not only something we celebrate, it is Someone we adore, Someone who changes us, and Someone who remains with us always.

Receiving Holy Communion

Blessings for Children and Adults

Those who are not yet able to receive Holy Communion, such as children who have not made their First Communion and adults who are not prepared to receive, are warmly encouraged to come forward for a blessing. To indicate this, simply cross your arms over your chest as you approach the minister.

This gesture allows everyone to participate in a meaningful way, while showing deep reverence for the sacred presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

First Holy Communion

Children normally celebrate their First Communion around the age of eight, as part of their Second Class year in primary school. At Our Lady of Dolours Parish, we use the Grow in Love programme to prepare children for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.

Each year, over 120 children from local schools participate in this programme, which involves close cooperation between families, schools, and the parish. The participating schools include:

• St Brigid’s

• Scoil Mobhi

• Glasnevin National School

• Drumcondra National School

• Glasnevin Educate Together

• NDNSP Glasnevin

A key part of the preparation is the monthly Grow in Love Mass, held at 11:30am on Sundays from September to June. These Masses help children understand and experience the Eucharist more deeply, while giving parents an opportunity to reflect on their own faith and the central role the Eucharist plays in Christian life.

Register for First Communion 2027 HERE

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

One of the first gifts the Risen Christ gave to his apostles was the power to forgive sins in His name:

“For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven…” (John 20:23)

This is a profound gift to the Church—both for the priest who offers it, and for the person who receives it.

We all need moments of reconciliation—with God, with others, and with ourselves. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful encounter with God’s mercy, compassion, and healing love. Whether it has been weeks, months, or even years, you are always welcome. God is never tired of offering us a fresh start.

When Can I Go to Confession?

• Every Saturday, immediately after the 10:00am Mass

• By appointment with one of our priests (please contact the parish office)

• Special Reconciliation Services are held during Advent and Holy Week

First Reconciliation for Children

As part of their preparation for First Holy Communion, children celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. This is an important step in their journey of faith, helping them understand God’s love, forgiveness, and the value of a clean heart.

Confirmation

Along with Baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation that fully welcome a person into the Catholic Church.

For children baptised as infants or young children, the usual pathway includes receiving First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, typically through the religious education programme in their local Catholic primary school.

If a child attends a non-Catholic school, parents usually arrange for a teacher or catechist to provide weekly sacramental preparation classes outside of school hours.

Confirmation Preparation

At the start of the school year, children and their parents are invited to a Ceremony of Enrolment at the parish church. This marks the beginning of their journey towards Confirmation.

While parents make the decision for their child to receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, Confirmation is different. Children are encouraged to see it as their own commitment to becoming full members of the Church and to take greater responsibility for their faith—through prayer, regular Mass attendance, and active participation. This journey, of course, is supported and guided by parents every step of the way.

Before receiving the Sacrament, families participate in the Ceremony of Light, a meaningful celebration held in the church shortly before Confirmation day.

In Our Lady of Dolours Parish, Confirmation is usually celebrated in March.

‘You Shall Be My Witness’ Programme

To support preparation, our parish runs the ‘You Shall Be My Witness’ programme. This initiative complements the work done in schools and offers parents a valuable opportunity to be involved in their child’s faith development.

Register for Confirmation 2027 HERE

Adults Seeking Confirmation

Adults who wish to be confirmed—or who are considering becoming Catholic through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—are warmly invited to get in touch with us. The R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programme is designed to support adults on this journey of faith.

For more information, please contact the parish office:
📞 (01) 797 9153
📧 ourladyofdoloursparish@gmail.com

Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage

Congratulations on your engagement! As you begin planning your wedding, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church.

1. Initial Contact

Once you are engaged and have decided to marry in the Church:

• Contact Fr Paul/Fr. Kieran as early as possible to discuss your wedding plans.

• While a minimum of 3 months’ notice is required, we recommend reaching out well in advance to allow time for preparation and planning.

2. Book Your Church

Reserve the church where you wish to celebrate your wedding. If you plan to marry at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Fr. Paul will guide you through the parish’s procedures, including resources for music, readings, and floral arrangements.

3. Attend a Pre-Marriage Course

Couples are required to complete a Pre-Marriage Course.
Courses are available through ACCORD (Catholic Marriage Care Service) and can be booked online:
👉 www.accord.ie

• Courses are offered as weekend or weekday sessions.

• It’s best to attend early in your engagement, it’s never too soon!

4. Complete the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form

Ask the priest in your current parish of residence to complete a Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form with you.
You will need to provide the following documents:

• Baptismal Certificate (issued within 6 months of the wedding date)

• Confirmation Certificate

• Proof of Freedom to Marry (your priest will advise what’s needed)

5. Meet the Celebrant

Meet with the priest who will officiate your wedding to begin planning the marriage ceremony.
Useful resources for choosing readings, prayers, and music are available at:

• www.accord.ie

• www.gettingmarried.ie

6. Parish Offering

It is customary to make the following offerings:

• €300 to the church

• €50 to the sacristan

• A separate offering to the priest celebrant is also appreciated

Civil Requirements

1. Notify the Civil Registrar

You must give at least 3 months’ notice of your intention to marry to the Civil Registrar in person.

In Dublin, contact:
Office of the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths
Lombard Street, Dublin 2

You’ll need to provide:

• Date and venue of the wedding

• Names and addresses of your two witnesses

• Name of the priest (solemniser) officiating

2. Verbal Declaration

You’ll be asked to make a verbal declaration that there is no civil impediment to your marriage:

• Once during your appointment with the Registrar

• Again, in front of the priest and witnesses within 2 days of the wedding (often done at the rehearsal)

3. Marriage Registration Form (MRF)

The Civil Registrar will issue a Marriage Registration Form (MRF).

• Show the MRF to your priest ahead of the ceremony

• Bring the MRF to the church on your wedding day

• It must be signed by the couple and witnesses during the ceremony

• After the wedding, you must return the signed MRF to the Civil Registrar within one month

For more details, visit:
👉 www.groireland.ie

If you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to contact the parish office:
📞 (01) 797 9153
📧 ourladyofdoloursparish@gmail.com

Considering a Vocation?

If you are a male parishioner and feel called to explore a vocation to the priesthood, religious life, or the permanent diaconate, we encourage you to take the next step.

You are welcome to speak with any of the priests in the parish for guidance and support.

You can also contact Fr. John Gilligan, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Dublin, directly:

📞 Tel: 01 808 7561
📧 Email: vocations@dublindiocese.ie

Discerning a vocation is a journey – you don’t have to take it alone.

Pastoral Care for the Sick and Housebound

If you know of a parishioner who is ill or housebound, please let the parish office know. We want to ensure that they remain connected to the faith community and are supported spiritually.

• A Minister of the Eucharist can bring Holy Communion to their home after Sunday Mass.

• If someone is in hospital, a priest or parish representative is available to visit.

• A priest can also visit at home to offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, bringing comfort, peace, and the healing presence of Christ through the blessing with holy oil.

Each year, we also celebrate a special Mass with the Anointing of the Sick in the church. This is a deeply meaningful occasion, offering grace and healing to all who are unwell.

If someone you know would benefit from any of these supports, please contact the parish office. We’re here to help.