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Continuing the Sacramental Initiation for Baptised Children
Confirmation, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
We have a Parish-based Sacramental Programme to prepare the children who are to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Children from the State and Parish schools are prepared for these Sacraments in small groups. Each group meets on one of the parish sites for three or four sessions prior to the celebration of the Sacrament. A parenting facilitator leads the group with materials provided by the Diocese. The materials are child-focused with simple messages and fun activities. During the past year in these COVID times, the programmes were modified and weekly sessions were carried out on Zoom using a variety of engaging resources to support the families. The preparation programmes for these three Sacraments are prepared and co-ordinated by our Children's Ministries & Sacramental Programme Co-Ordinator, Lynn Siau.
These programmes involve collaboration between our two communities – the Parents’ Gathering at the beginning of each programme is a joint event for parents from both Epping and Carlingford, and families are welcome to take part in the weekly preparation groups from either community during the course of each programme. However, the actual celebration of the Sacraments takes place separately in each of our two Churches according to the home community of each family.
In our diocese of Broken Bay, the proper ancient order of celebrating the Sacraments is observed, and so First Holy Communion is the final Sacrament of Initiation (celebrating as it does the welcome of the children to share at the Lord’s Table) and is therefore preceded by Confirmation.
A letter to parents detailing all the relevant dates in all these Sacramental Programmes for each sacrament can be obtained from the Parish Office or downloaded here when available.
If you have any queries regarding our Children's Ministries or the Sacramental Programme at our parish, we invite you to email Lynn.Siau@bbcatholic.org.au for information. We always love hearing from you!