Why Grow?

The sacraments are God’s grace made visible. We receive them through Baptism,  Confession, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick. Should you wish to receive any of these, please contact the parish office to arrange a meeting with a priest.

A strong Faith foundation is the best gift you can give a child.

Our Youth Ministry programmes start with the basics, like Bible stories for our littlest members, and progress through issues of Faith and morality for our tweens and teens. We not only prepare them for the reception of Sacraments, but tackle the many difficult situations they will face growing up in an increasingly secular society. 

If you would like to become a fully fledged member of the Catholic faith, or if you simply have questions about what it means to be Catholic, we invite you to join our adult instruction (RCIA) class. The full course generally takes two years to complete but candidates seeking reception into the Church are assessed on an individual basis. 

The Parish of St Bernadette shares a close relationship with the Oratory of St Philip Neri. On Tuesday evenings, parishioners are invited to attend an evening of traditional Oratorian devotion. This includes a short presentation in the church, quiet contemplation and prayers, followed by refreshments in the Oratory afterwards. During Lent and Advent, this regular Tuesday evening devotion is replaced by Lenten Oratory and Advent Oratory (times may vary). Tuesday evening Oratory starts just before 19:00 and concludes at 20:15. 

Home Groups are a great way to grow in faith, meet new people and discuss Catholic issues on a grass-roots level. Home Groups are often a mix of Catholic and non-Catholic members exploring faith together. Source material and study guides vary according to the needs of each group but where possible, common themes are followed during the course of the liturgical year.

Join an existing Group or begin your own Group with support and training from the Fathers.

There are plenty of social and liturgical events throughout the year that offer opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. See the ‘Annual Events’ page for more details.

As a Catholic, you’re required to live a Christian life and seek growth through daily prayer, participation in the sacraments and by obeying the moral law and teachings of Christ and his Church. Not sure what that looks like, exactly? See the ‘Do the Basics’ page for more details.

Find some resources to assist you in growing in the Catholic Faith here.