Our Lady of the most Holy Rosary, Billingham

Introduction

The Books of Remembrance are kept near the Sacred Heart Altar in Holy Rosary Church.

Parish life

An organist can be arranged to play at weddings, with payment for their time. A parish bereavement group visits bereaved families on behalf of the parish within the first few months of bereavement, with repeat visits if requested. The bereavement group offers a confidential listening service to anyone hurting or lonely after a death. The bereavement group helps organise the Annual Mass for families of deceased parishioners, held every November, and sends cards on the first Christmas, Easter and anniversary of the loss.

The Confirmation programme usually takes place biannually and takes six weeks to complete, supported by parish catechists. Baptism preparation includes a meeting with a parishioner catechist who explains Baptism and looks at the ceremony, either one-to-one or in a group.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children prepare for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion following a programme of guidelines set by the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The programme is implemented in parish schools by parish volunteer catechists over a set number of weeks and months. Opportunities run alongside children's sessions for parents and guardians to discuss the same themes and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.

Couples preparing for marriage have an opportunity to meet for a day with other engaged couples to explore the meaning of marriage and the Sacrament. On completion of the programme, young people are confirmed by the Bishop in one of the parish churches. At the end of the programme, young people are given the opportunity to go on a retreat with the catechists.