Is my child able to prepare for the Sacraments?

• Is he/she baptised?
• Is he/she in Year 4 or above?
• Am I able to commit myself and my family to this period of preparation?

Sacraments for older children

A 10-week program to assist Secondary Students prepare for the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation, and First Communion is available.

This program differs to that which is offered to young children. Please contact to the Parish Office for more information.

Sacraments for Adults

Please refer to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults(RCIA)

The Sacrament of Penance

When Confirmation and First Communion are separated in time, from Baptism, the children are asked to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance before they complete their initiation into the community.

As Penance is not one of the Sacraments of Initiation it is to be celebrated at a time apart from Confirmation / First Communion.

In the Bundaberg region, preparation for the Sacrament of Penance is prior to the preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation / First Communion. Children must be in Year 4 or above.

The children may celebrate the Sacrament of Penance in either the First or Second Rite of Penance.

Confirmation / First Communion

Confirmation and First Communion (Eucharist) complete the initiation of a person into the church community. This initiation started when the child was presented for Baptism.

The sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion are celebrated at the same ceremony. At Confirmation, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the baptised person is confirmed with the laying on of hands and anointing with the oil of chrism.

The newly confirmed are then welcomed at the table of the Lord where they are at-one-with the faith community in receiving the Risen Christ in communion.

Sponsers

As Confirmation / First Communion are connected with Baptism, the Baptismal Godparents are the first choice for sponsors for Confirmation. If this is not possible, a fully-initiated member of the Catholic community, at least 16 years of age, may be a sponsor.

Baptismal names are the ones used when the Bishop or priest anoints the child with the oil of Chrism.

Preparation

The program for Confirmation / First Communion is parish-based and family-based. The parish Sacramental Team supports the parents as they prepare their child/ren for the Sacraments.

Parents request the sacraments for their child/ren when they believe they and their child/ren are ready to take this next step into the Church community, usually when the child/ren are 9 years old or older. The parents and child/ren follow a Children's Workbook written by the Diocesan Sacramental Task Force. Confirmation / First Communion is celebrated on or near the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Preparation program

• An Information Session is presented to parents at the commencement of the program.
• Two sessions are offered for each sacrament where parents and children join together with members of the Sacramental Team.
• Families have a choice of either attending each session on a Sunday morning or Tuesday evening for one hour.
• All sessions are held at the Bundaberg Catholic Community Centre, Barolin Street.
• The group gathers for a practice in the church.
• The Confirmation / First Communion Mass is celebrated in each church over two weekends.

How to Enrol

The Sacramental Program is advertised in the Parish through the Church and School (including State Schools) newsletters. Parents are encouraged to enrol their children for the sacraments prior to the first Parent Information Meeting.

All enquiries may be made through the Parish Office(4151 6666) or by contacting Anne Sheehan, during work hours.

Sacramental team

Members of the Regional Sacramental Team offer preparation for the Sacraments and assistance to families.

The Team consists of:

• The Parish Priest
• Regional Sacramental Co-ordinator
• APREs from each Catholic school
• A Catechist for the State Schools
• A Parent representative.