The Sacraments

The Sacraments are sacred signs of divine origin, instituted by Jesus Christ, that reveal and communicate grace. The Catholic Church accepts seven Sacraments which ‘touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1210).

From this page you can find out more about the sacraments as well as how to access them at our Parish.

The Sacraments can be grouped as follows:

  • Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
  • Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
  • Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders and Matrimony


The Sacraments, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, are the means by which divine life is dispensed to humanity. When a child is baptised or a couple is married there is an effect, however, the sacraments are not ‘magic’ meaning that regardless of what we do or how we live they universally bear fruit. Rather, they truly bear fruit when received with the right dispositions, preparation and intention (CCC 1131).

Just as our Lord Jesus Christ put on human flesh to draw close to us, it is fitting that the Sacraments are also expressed through tangible things, such as bread, wine, water, oil, and the human voice. The Church – as the Body of Christ – dispenses these Sacraments for the life of her members (CCC 1117-1118). 

Glenys
Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Planning your Visit

Visitors 

Welcome to our parish! We hope you have an enjoyable stay, and that while you're with us you'll be able to attend Mass at one of our two churches.

On the weekend there is Mass at the Sacred Heart in Goudhurst on Saturday evening at 5:30pm, and on Sunday morning at 10:30. Mass is celebrated at St Barnabas in Hawkhurst at 8:30am on Sunday mornings. For locations and parking details see the Mass times page.

If you're here on the first Sunday of the month we'd love to meet you over tea or coffee after the Sunday masses.

Weekday masses are celebrated on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - see the Mass times page for more details.

If you would like to speak to our priest in charge while visiting, please contact the Presbytery using the details on the Contact us page.