Sacramental Preparation

Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist

In the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg, parents prepare their children for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Eucharist with the assistance and support of the parish Sacramental Team, the Catholic Schools, and the parish community.

Who may prepare?

Usually children who are eight years or older and who are baptised in the Catholic faith may prepare for the sacraments. We offer a program of preparation for primary school children wishing to prepare for all, or any, of these three sacraments.

Secondary school students prepare together in a separate group.

How does it happen?

The first step is to note the important dates listed on this page, and click here to enrol.

We’ll respond with an email, once your enrolment has been received.  Parents must attend one of the Parent Information Sessions offered, and we’ll ask you to confirm which you will be attending when we email you.  You may choose to join us on either the evening of Wednesday 12 February or the morning of Saturday 15 January.

Our preparation program for the sacraments is designed to fit into busy family lifestyles as much as possible, however, it is important for families to acknowledge the necessity of attending the preparation sessions.

A number of parent sessions, parent/child sessions, and rituals are scheduled during the period of preparation. Please note the dates list on this page, and mark them in your diary/calendar, if you haven’t already done so.

The Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) is celebrated during the season of Lent, prior to Easter. The program concludes with the celebrations of Confirmation and First Holy Communion in the Easter season of the year following commencement of preparations.

Sunday Mass is pivotal to the preparation of children for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. Families are expected to attend Sunday Mass throughout the period of preparation to develop the child’s relationship with God and the Church.

Children’s Masses – our 9.00am Mass on the fourth Sunday of each month, except December and January, is provided as a Children’s Mass, where the readings and homily are shared at our children’s level. All families are especially encouraged to attend.

Liturgy of the Word for Children is offered at our 9.00am and 5.30pm Sunday Masses throughout the year, except the Christmas/New Year period. Liturgy of the Word for Children allows young children, from prep to sacramental age, to listen to and respond to the Sunday readings at their level. It is expected that all children preparing for the sacraments will attend Children’s Liturgy.

A small fee is requested for resources used throughout the preparation period.

If your child is not Baptised?
Children 8 yrs or older who are not baptised but wish to prepare for the sacraments of reconciliation, confirmation and eucharist follow a different program. Contact Pauline Leahy, Sacramental Co-ordinator, on 4151 6666.

Secondary Students’ Sacramental Preparation

Secondary school students who wish to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Eucharist follow a process similar to that of younger students.

Older students are guided by their parents, peers, and the Sacramental Team through the process of preparation.

For more information

Contact Pauline Leahy, Sacramental Co-ordinator, (07) 4151 6666.