Parish Sacramental Program

The Sacrament of Baptism is provided as needed by parents of children wishing to be baptised. Parents are supported through preparation sessions according to the age and development of the child.

The Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist complete the initiation of a young person into the People of God. The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation celebrates the boundless mercy of our God.

Sacramental Formation is first and foremost a parish activity. The support of St Catherine’s and St Bernard’s Schools is very much appreciated by the parish but the formation is not part of the school program. Respecting the right of parents as the primary educators of their children, the formation and immediate preparation are a collaborated effort between parish and the home, based on discernment of the child’s readiness.

Twice a year parents are invited (via School and Parish newsletters) to register their children for the Sacrament program. Registered children receive a Mass Card to be signed each time they attend Mass and this allows for positive relationships to be built between the priests/pastoral associate in order to discern the child’s readiness to prepare for the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist and in some cases for Baptism.

Parents who respond to this invitation are supported through parent information sessions, email/phone communication, family activity days, family prayer and discussion and materials needed for meaningful and thorough preparation for the sacraments.

Children with a disability receive preparation appropriate to their understanding and level of participation. Preparation for the sacraments is always a collaborative process between parents and the Pastoral Associate who oversees the Sacramental Program and co-ordinates a team of volunteers who assist with the process for families.

The program of Religious Education provided by our school develops the concepts associated with these sacraments in a systematic and comprehensive way.