The Church of
the Good Thief

Baptismal Preparation and Baptisms

Infant Baptism is a statement that salvation is entirely God's work. God's love is freely bestowed before the child can possibly do anything to seem to deserve it. It is God's desire that all should be saved. As the Second Vatican Council put it, "The Church is the ordinary means of salvation and she alone possesses the fullness of the means of salvation " People enter the Church, the Body of Christ, through Baptism as through a door.

We congratulate you on the birth of your child, as well as seeking Baptism of the child. Through Baptism, your child will be freed from sin, given a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit and become a member of God's Holy People. The Sacrament of Baptism is preceded by study, reflection and prayer. This includes a short video and baptismal booklet. Please contact Fr. Timmins to arrange a time and date for the Baptism.

Confirmation

First Communion and Reconciliation for School Children

Children who attend St. Thomas More, St. Joseph's/St Marys or École Cathèdrale Primary Catholic Schools will be prepared through the school. For others, a preparatory course is given at Good Thief. Initially consult with Fr. Timmins. Reconciliation occurs on the 1st Saturday of Lent, while First Communion takes place on the Feast of Corpus Christi - normally in late May.

Funerals

For Good Thief parishioners, the Parish Centre can be made available for a reception following the funeral.

Marriage Preparation and Weddings

All couples contemplating matrimony are required to give six months notice and to take a marriage preparation course. These are given twice a year and consist of one meeting a week for six weeks. The marriage preparation team consists of priests and lay men and women who have special expertise that they are willing to share. In the first week the teams are introduced, and each participant is asked to complete a "Prepare" questionnaire. This is followed by "Lifestyles, Work and Money", which gives information on budgeting, buying a house, saving, and legal matters concerned with marriage and purchasing property. The third and fourth weeks are on "Communication and Conflict Resolution" and include a discussion of the results of the "Prepare" questionnaire. The fifth week is on "Sexuality, Parenting and Family Planning", and the last week is on "Spirituality and the Sacramentality of Marriage". Call Fr. Timmins to discuss a wedding date. The normal times of weddings at Good Thief are on Saturday at 11.00am. 1.00pm or 3.00pm.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A)

R.C.I.A. is a formation process for those interested in becoming Catholics, both those never baptized and those baptized in other Christian denominations. It may also be of interest to Catholics who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation or have not practiced their faith for some time, and would like to refresh it.

For those from Good Thief, the formal program is carried out through St. Mary's Cathedral. However, during the year, specific rites take place during Sunday Mass at St. Mary's for the catechumens and candidates for full communion. The process culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday. As the new members join our Church community, the RCIA process continues until the solemnity of Pentecost.

Devotions

The following devotional groups take place each week in the Chapel. Everybody is welcome:

Cenacle/Rosary: 9.00am Wednesday
Divine Mercy: 3.30pm Friday

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Baptism | Confirmation | First Communion and Reconciliation | Funerals | Marriage Preparation | R.C.I.A. | Devotions