Sacraments are important for Catholics, and to be Catholic. They symbolise different aspects and teachings of Jesus, like coming to us through cleansing water, welcoming us with invigorating oil, offering life-giving bread and wine, providing a hand outstretched in forgiveness, vows lovingly exchanged in marriage, a hand designating someone for ordained service and oil to strengthen the sick and comfort the dying.
The seven Sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Catholics. These seven sacraments are:
- The Sacrament of Baptism
- The Sacrament of Confirmation
- The Sacrament of Holy Communion (known as First Eucharist or First Holy Communion for first timers)
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
- The Sacrament of Marriage
- The Sacrament of Holy Orders
- The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Baptisms
Congratulations on your decision to baptise your baby! We hope that as your child begins to grow and learn that they will also begin to learn about what it means to be a Christian, and in particular, a Catholic.
Our baptisms are held each Sunday after the 10AM Mass. For more information please contact our Parish Office (07) 5536 7522 to arrange an appointment to meet with our Pastoral Associate, Kathy Twohill.
We hope the following will help you in the preparation of your child’s baptism.
Do both parents have to be Catholic in order to have their child baptised in the Catholic Church?
No, both parents do not need to be Catholic for this to happen. However, we would hope that for the sake of the child being baptised, and for the family in general, the non Catholic parent is supportive of the decision to have the child baptised. In order to properly ensure that the baptised child has every opportunity to grow in the Catholic faith and in the community of the Church, it is necessary that at least one parent must be a Catholic.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the Second of the three Sacraments of Initiation. Confirmation is a deepening of our commitment as Catholics that was started at baptism and is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The Sacrament of Confirmation completes (or confirms) the sacrament of Baptism. It reaffirms the strength and commitment to follow Jesus.
Children are eligible to receive Confirmation if they have been baptised a Catholic and are school year 3 onwards.
For further information regarding Confirmation please contact your school or Parish Office.
First Eucharist
The third of the three sacraments of initiation, the Sacrament of Eucharist (Holy Communion) is the reception of Christ’s Body and Blood and brings to completion the Christian process of initiation.
In this Sacrament we remember what Jesus did for us, in particular the Last Supper, that final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. At that meal Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we could remember him in a special way.
In Year 4 children make their first Eucharist (First Communion) after receiving sacraments of Confirmation and Reconciliation.
For more information regarding First Eucharist please contact the Parish Office.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Sacrament of Penance or Confession) is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of being a Catholic. Jesus Christ established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The Sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ.
First Reconciliation
In our Parish, Catholic children usually make their First Reconciliation in year 4 after they have received sacrament of Confirmation. They prepare for this through the Children’s Sacramental Program, which is Parish based.
If you are unsure how to go to Confession
Sometimes, people hesitate to go to Confession because they have forgotten how to do so. The Knights of Columbus (New York) have published a step-by-step guide to the Sacrament and how to prepare for it. Please click here to download the Guide.
For all other inquiries regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation please contact your local Parish.
Marriage
Please click to our Weddings Page if you would like to marry in one of our churches or would like our priest to marry you at another location.
Holy Orders
Please contact the Parish Priest here.
Anointing of the Sick
When a Catholic is very sick, the Priest anoints the person with oil in a special ritual of healing called Anointing of the Sick. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered both to the dying and to those who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, for the recovery of their health and for spiritual strength. It is a ritual of healing for physical, mental and spiritual sickness.
It is administered by anointing with blessed oil accompanied by prayer. Only a Priest can validly administer it and can be received by any baptised person who is gravely sick or close to death.
For more information please contact the Parish Office.
