OVERVIEW
RECONCILIATION, EUCHARIST & CONFIRMATION
Preparing to become a full member of the Catholic Church is a very important step for children. Having received the sacrament of Baptism, in most cases in their first year of life, they are now mature enough to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. These are beautiful sacraments that nourish us throughout our entire lives as Christians.
According to our most recent Policy for the Diocese of Parramatta on Sacraments for Initiation and First Penance for Children who have been baptised, catechesis on the Sacrament of Penance and celebration of First Penance will take place at age 7 or 8.
Catechesis on the Mass and the Sacrament of the Eucharist and reception of First Holy Communion, will take place in the following year, at age 8 or 9.
Catechesis on the Sacrament of Confirmation and completion by reception of Confirmation will take place at age 10 or 11.
Following this policy, the Parish-Based Family-Centred, School Supported Sacramental Process at Mary, Queen of the Family builds on the experience and knowledge that children have gained thus far on their journey of faith. Enrolment for this process gives you and your family a chance to continue your child’s preparation through praying, reflecting on the stories of Jesus, participating in regular Sunday Eucharist and experiencing the liturgies of the Church.
Children from minimum Year 3 will be accepted for preparation for Reconciliation and Year 4 for First Holy Communion. School aged children not yet baptised can be prepared individually throughout the year.
SACRAMENTAL PROCESS
The sacramental process is facilitated by the Parish but a responsibility of the Parents.Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their child. Faith education by parents begins in the child’s earliest years, such as showing them how to pray and reading easy bible stories about Jesus.The Parish Based, Family Centred Sacramental Process† Creates particular opportunities for parents to continue sharing the faith with their child. Faith, example, motivation and devotion are primary gifts which are nurtured in this Sacramental Process.† Provides opportunities for parents and children to come together to inquire and reflect upon the faith into which their children are being initiated.† Parents of children who have been baptised and have reached Year 3 are invited to present their child as a candidate for Reconciliation.For More information please contact our Sacramental Coordinator.
Gerald "Ged" ObleaEmail: sacraments@mqofblacktown.org.auAddress: 51- 59 Allawah St Blacktown 2148Ph: (02) 9622 1125Mobile Number: 0422 724 008We look forward to being with you this year on your Sacramental Journey.The Sacramental Team
BAPTISM
Just as your child is welcomed into your family at birth, the time comes when you choose to welcome them into God’s family. As parents, you nurture your child in their physical and emotional growth. In asking for the Sacrament of Baptism you are accepting responsibility for the growth and development of your child's faith and understanding of God's love.
Please read the Baptism FAQs below and then download the forms to begin the journey to Baptism.
RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of two sacraments of healing (the other being the Anointing of the Sick). Reconciliation is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us. It is about acknowledging and naming those times when we know we have done wrong, and then making peace and restoring the relationships with those who have been affected by our poor choices.
EUCHARIST
Eucharist is the sacrament that completes the process of initiation and is when one can fully participate in the Eucharist by receiving Holy Communion.Eucharist is unique among the sacraments as it is at the heart of our faith. For Catholics, the Eucharist, or Mass, is the most powerful way we encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ. Sunday after Sunday (some, of course, gather everyday), Catholics gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the ritual in which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. We who celebrate are also transformed, becoming Christ’s presence to others, and recognising the presence of Christ in others.
CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of Christian initiation.Confirmation completes Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus, and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely.
MARRIAGE
In the Sacrament of Marriage, a man and a woman give themselves to each other in a lifelong commitment of love and fidelity. Their union reflects the fruitful love that exists between Christ and his Church. Together, the husband and wife assist each other in attaining holiness and in raising children in the Catholic faith.
Due to these important responsibilities of marriage, those intending to be married should be actively living their faith, attending Mass regularly and receiving the sacraments. The couple who are getting married should contact the Parish to set up an initial interview and receive the Parish Guidelines for the Celebration of Marriage. It is important to note that a date for the wedding will not be set prior to this meeting.
Moreover, the meeting should be made at least six (6) months in advance of the wedding. This is in order to allow for enough time to ensure that all details and requirements are met.
The Catholic Church encourages members of the Church to marry in their own parish church, having their own pastor as the celebrant. The Church emphasises the great benefit to the couple to prepare for their marriage within their faith community with the assistance and prayers of their fellow parishioners. This is made possible when you celebrate your marriage in your own parish church.
It is required that the couple attends a Marriage Preparation course. The course provides the couple with information and education in order to help them have a healthy marriage, and it gives the opportunity for the couple to learn the importance of faith in their lives together. There are many such courses, these will be discussed with you during your interview with a priest.
To set up an initial interview with a Priest, please call the Parish Office on 9622 1125 or click the contact button below.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament by which those who are seriously ill are especially strengthened, and through which we call on God to impart comfort, protection and healing. Anointing of the Sick is celebrated during Mass on the first Saturday of each month at St Patrick’s Church.
Our priests will also anoint any parishioner who is seriously ill at any place or time on request.
If you are going into hospital and would like to be anointed, please contact the Parish Office to arrange before going into hospital. With Blacktown Hospital doubling in size and our declining resources, it cannot be guaranteed a priest will be available 24 hours a day for the hospital.
As hospitals do not release patient information for privacy reasons, the patient or a member of their family need to contact the Parish Office to advise the priests that they have been admitted. The priests can then visit, and offer communion and anointing if it is desired.
Blacktown Hospital has a Catholic Chaplaincy available during the week.
To make an appointment for Anointing of the Sick please contact the Parish Office.
HOLY ORDERS
Each of us are called to follow a different pathway in our life here on Earth. The concept of ‘vocation’ applies to every person’s life, for if we listen well, we discover that God calls each of us to play a part in his mission here on the earth. Whether in single life commitments, relationship and marriage, the religious life, priesthood or diaconate, each such commitment of loving forms part of Christ’s dream of life and unity.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
BECOMING CATHOLIC
Just as your child is welcomed into your family at birth, the time comes when you choose to welcome them into God’s family. As parents, you nurture your child in their physical and emotional growth. In asking for the Sacrament of Baptism you are accepting responsibility for the growth and development of your child's faith and understanding of God's love.
Please read the Baptism FAQs below and then download the forms to begin the journey to Baptism.