SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
The Role of Families
Parents & Guardians are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith, particularly by the witness of their lives. Parents are also the best teachers of their children and they are the ones who shape the attitudes and values of their children and their involvement in sacramental preparation can never be replaced (cf; the Rite of Baptism for Children).
At Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish, we are here to assist you as you do your best as Christian parents. The keyword is “assist”, we are not taking over your responsibility as parents. As such, it is compulsory that at least one parent/ guardian accompany their child to each of the sessions of the sacramental preparation process.
The Parent Formation Session will be held on Saturday 27 July 2024 at 4.30pm
The Role of Parish
A Christian family lives within a wider parish community, which also has a responsibility to share and nurture the faith within the family. Part of our responsibility is to assist families who are involved in the sacramental preparation process. The parish is responsible for coordinating sacramental preparation and providing faith education for both adults and children.
First Reconciliation:
| Sessions: | 4 x Saturday sessions starting 19 October 2024 at 4pm followed by Mass at 6-7pm |
| Ceremony: | Saturday 16 November 2024 @ 4pm |
| Sacramental Coordinator | Sarah Locke |
First Holy Communion:
| Sessions: | 4 x Saturday sessions starting 4 May 2024 at 4pm followed by Mass at 6-7pm |
| Ceremony: | Weekend Masses on 1/2 June 2024 |
| Retreat Day: | Friday 31 May 2024 9am-3pm |
| Sacramental Coordinator: | Loretta Binny |
Confirmation:
| Sessions: | 5 x Saturday sessions starting 10 August 2024 at 4pm followed by Mass at 6-7pm |
| Ceremony: | Sunday 15 September 2024 at 9:30am |
| Retreat Day: | Friday 13 September 2024 9am—3pm |
| Sacramental Coordinator: | Bianca Heuvel |
Who is eligible to receive the Sacraments?
As first teachers in faith you as parents are in the best place to judge when your child is ready to participate in the sacramental life of the parish community. The following however may be a useful guide to assist you in this respect:
First Reconciliation: Year 3 & above
First Holy Communion: Year 4 & above
Confirmation: Year 6 & above