FAQ(s) - HOLY CROSS CHURCH CATFORD

Holy Cross Church Catford
Holy Cross Church Catford
Holy Cross Church Catford
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Please find below some useful information regarding the Parish and Our Catholic Faith:


1-Why is Easter celebrated on a different date each year?
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs at the end of March.

2-Where do the ashes on Ash Wednesday come from?
The Ash on Ash Wednesday is made from the remains of the Palm branches of the previous Palm Sunday.

3-What is the significance of the Paschal Candle?
At the Easter Vigil service, the Paschal Candle is blessed: The year is engraved on it together with a cross and five grains of incense are inserted to represent the five wounds of Christ. It is kept beside the altar during Paschal time and is moved to the side of the font for the rest of the year. What is Paschaltide?
Paschaltide lasts from Easter Sunday until Trinity Sunday. We continue to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord during this period. 40 days after Easter there is the feast of the Ascension and 50 days after Easter the Feast of Pentecost.Trinity Sunday is a week after the feast of Pentecost.

4-Why don’t we recite the Creed on Easter Sunday?
On Easter Sunday, the recitation for the Creed is replaced with a renewal of the Baptismal promises together with a sprinkling of the water from the Font blessed during the Easter Vigil service. When should we genuflect during the Creed?
March 25th is the Feast of the Annunciation: the Creed is recited during Mass and all genuflect at the words “The Word was made flesh”. The same gesture is repeated during the recitation of the Creed on Christmas Day.

5-When are the Church candles blessed?
Candles for use in the Church throughout the year are blessed on February 2nd, Candlemas Day.

6-What are the Holy Oils?
There are three Holy Oils: Chrism, the oil of the sick and the oil of the catechumens. They are used in the administration of the Sacraments during the course of the year. They are blessed by the Archbishop in the Cathedral Church on Maundy Thursday and they are received into the parish Church at the evening Mass on Maundy Thursday.

7-When are we obliged to fast?
There are now two days of fasting and abstinence during the year: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The rules apply to those between the ages of 18 and 60. Canon law does not specify the exact amounts for fasting but generally it is interpreted as one full meal with smaller amounts at other times. Those over 14 are required to keep the rule of abstinence from meat.Fasting is a form of Penance.

8-How to request a Holy Mass?
Find the Mass Intention envelopes at the back of the church. Complete the form on the front of the envelope, insert your offeriing(The diocesan suggested offering is £10.)  and return to Fr Antony, or post through any of the church letter boxes.

9-Foundation Masses
A Foundation Mass is a Mass Intention that lasts for 25 years.  Please give details for whom the Mass is offered - full name of living or deceased person, date and time the Mass should be said each year and your name and phone number. The cost is £300 (cheque made payable to RC Archdiocese of Southwark) and hand to Fr Antony.

10-Symbols of the Baptism
  • Water: Water is the primary symbol of baptism. John the Baptist used water (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8a; Jn 1:33; 3:23), as did Jesus (Jn 3:22). Jesus is living water (Jn 4:10), and when Jesus died, the water that flowed from his pierced side serves as a wellspring of his life and grace (Jn 19:34). The usual method is infusion, for water to be poured over the head. Baptism can also be done by partial or full immersion. Water is a symbol of divine life, grace, new birth, growth, power, deliverance, cleansing and the covenant.
  • Oil: Oil is also a symbol of baptism, and two kinds are used. The Oil of the Catechumens is used after the prayer of exorcism and applied to the chest. It represents salvation as well as the strength and power that come from Christ our saviour. After the water has been poured, Sacred Chrism is used to anoint the crown of the head, and it represents salvation, participation in the priesthood of Christ, membership in the body of Christ and a share in eternal life.
  • Baptismal garment: The baptismal garment is either worn from the beginning of the ritual or given after pouring or immersion. It is an outward sign of the person’s Christian dignity. It also signifies that the person has become a new creation and has been clothed with Christ.
  • Candle: The baptismal candle is lit from the Easter Candle. The candle represents the risen Jesus, who is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). Jesus is the light that guides every baptized person. It also represents the flame of faith, which is to be kept burning brightly.
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