THE OLD CATHOLIC MISSION IN SUSSEX

A spiritual discussion group for lapsed and practising Catholics/Christians to share their experiences of faith and spirituality and to discuss some of the issues and problems affecting the proclamation of the Christian Faith in our time.  Non-believers are also welcome as are agnostics and enquirers to the Faith. 

EX ECCLESIA
Where: Dorset Gardens Methodist Church
When: Every last Monday of the month
Time: from 730pm

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A Mass of Healing is an opportunity to receive prayer whether one is physically or feeling spiritually debilitated.  During the Mass, the priest gently lays hands and anoints with the Oil of Infirmorum those who present themselves in faith to receive prayer, either for themselves or for someone else, with the intention that God's will be done; there is no guarantee of a miracle!  

MASS OF HEALING
Where: Dorset Gardens Methodist Church
When: Every Monday (except the last of the month)
Time: from 715pm

HEALING & RECONCILIATION 

A Mass of Healing and Reconciliation is held bi-monthly and is open to any and all who would like to receive spiritual healing, prayer and anointing and the opportunity to speak to a spiritual counsellor or receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession).  The service is celebrated informally and lasts approximately an hour, though people are welcome to "drop" in at any time and receive healing or counselling throughout the duration of the service.  Venue, date and time are advertised on this site and in the local press. 

MASS OF HEALING & RECONCILIATION for Lent
Where: Dorset Gardens Methodist Church
When: Monday, March 16th 2009
Time: from 715pm

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If you would like a particular Mass intention offered e.g. perhaps on a signficiant anniversary, a Requiem for the death of a loved one or relative, for a special personal intention, for someone else's intention or a devotional votive; please contact the Mission Clergy.

It is customary but not obligatory to offer a Mass Stipend to priests who offer Mass for one's particular intention; this is to pay for the bread and wine and contribute to the running costs of the Mission.  The recommended minimum donation is £5.

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Our Mission Clergy are able to offer both the Tridentine (Pius V Missal) and Novus Ordo (Paul VI Missal) rites of Mass in Latin, privately or publicly for sufficient numbers.  Vernacular/Latin Missals are available to assist devotion to hear either rite of Mass.

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Mass may be offered in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or Welsh either privately or publicly with sufficient numbers.  If you would like such a Mass celebrated, please contact the Mission Clergy.

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BAPTISM 

"Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God
unless he is born of water and the Spirit."
St John 3:5

Children, adults or families who would like to deepen their committment to and enter into the Christian Faith are warmly invited to seek Baptism from our Mission Clergy.

We believe that Baptism is a Sacrament, an action of Jesus Christ in his Church. A Sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace instituted by Jesus Christ. By the carrying out of the sacramental rite, grace is given to the soul of the person who received the Sacrament.

In this Sacrament, Jesus Christ

Baptisms administered by Old Catholic Clergy are recognised by all other Christian denominations and qualify individuals for Confirmation in the Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions as well as by our own Bishops.

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CONFIRMATION

"When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
Acts of the Apostles 8:14-17

Young people or adults wishing to be received into the Catholic Faith or make their committment to the Catholic Faith after their infant Baptism are welcome to contact the Mission Clergy about receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Bishop.  

Confirmation is the completion of Baptism. It is a sign appointed by God which conveys the gift of His Holy Spirit. People sometimes put the emphasis wrongly on the candidate confirming his or her Baptismal promises. This central moment of the sacrament, however is not this preliminary element but God confirming us by His sealing us with the gift of the Holy Spirit, signified by the Oil of Chrism administered by the Bishop.

In Confirmation we are given a special strengthening by the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the Faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly and never to be ashamed of the Cross. As the Holy Spirit came upon the Church at Pentecost, empowering the Apostles to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world, so the Holy Spirit gives power to those who are confirmed to share in God's work, His mission in the entire world. The Sacrament of Confirmation commisions us to bear public witness to Christ.

After readings from Scripture and a homily in the Confirmation Mass, the candidates renew their Baptismal promises. Then the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of candidates and calls God to send His Holt Spirit upon them. This Spirit is spoken of by the prophet Isaiah: "the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgement and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of wonder and awe in God's presence" (Is 11:2).

Each candidate, accompanied by a sponsor, then comes to the Bishop, who traces a cross with the Oil of Chrism on the candidate's forehead saying "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit". The Bishop greets the newly confirmed person with a sign of peace. The 'Chrism' used in Confirmation (also in Baptism and Ordination) is olive oil mixed with a perfume. This has been consecrated by the Bishop at the 'Chrism Mass' in Holy Week. Its use signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Preparation for Confirmation can take many different forms but whatever the programme, it should aim at leading the candidate to a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the work of the Holy Spirit. The candidate needs to develop a sense of belonging to the universal Church as well as the parish community. Shortly before Confirmation the candidate should make use of the sacrament of Reconciliation so as to be ready to receive the Holy Spirit.

Candidates will need the spiritual help of a sponsor who may well be one of the baptismal godparents.

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The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, the Blessing of Marriages and the Renewal of Marriage Vows may all be performed by our Mission Clergy.

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony 

The process for marriage in the Old Catholic Church in Europe is the same as that followed in most countries on Continental Europe i.e. a Civil Registry wedding followed by a celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in a Church, Chapel or other suitable location.

In the first instance, contact the Priest and arrange a meeting, you will need to bring the following documentation with you; your Baptism Certificate, your Confirmation Certificate and evidence that both parties are free to marry - either a letter from your home Parish Priest or a Statutory Declaration of Freedom (this must be co-signed by a Commissioner for Oaths i.e. a Solicitor).

If one or other of the parties has not been Baptised or Confirmed*, this will have to take place before the Sacrament can be celebrated.  If one of the persons has been married before, evidence will be required of the annulment and/or Civil divorce for any previous marriage whether Civil or of another Church (or faith).

Of Annulment: previous marriages, most especially Civil or non-Catholic will not be considered "valid" and therefore not an obstacle to the proposed marriage by the OCCE.  However, if a previous marriage was celebrated by another Catholic Church e.g. Roman Catholic or Orthodox, an annulment must be sought before the proposed marriage can be considered; the OCCE will not knowingly annul validly celebrated Sacraments of other Catholic Churches.  The Priest will be able to advise you on this question.

If you are a Catholic: you are free to marry a Christian of another denomination, but should bear in mind that you will be asked to undertake to bring your children up as Catholics. Your fiancé(e) would not be put under any obligation to assist with this, but should at least consent to your doing so.

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Our Mission Clergy are experienced and sensitive funeral officiants and are happy to conduct the funerals of lapsed Christians, those with some faith or none and even act as civil celebrants.

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Any person who would like to enquire about the Christian Faith, or who would like to discuss spiritual matters with a priest are invited to make an appointment with our Mission Clergy. 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is also available to all Baptised persons irrespective of denomination if they do not properly belong to an existing parochial ministry.

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Our Clergy are more than happy to visit anyone at home, in a hospital or residential care home who feels they would appreciate the ministrations of a priest. 

Home visits are strictly regulated and wherever possible a friend, family or staff member should be available during the visit.

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The Blessed Sacrament can be taken to communicants unable to attend public Mass through infirmity etc. 

Mass may also be celebrated in a home for a group of two or more individuals.

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Our Mission Clergy will happily perform blessings of houses and new homes including dedications/consecrations to the protection and enfolding love of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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