When we choose to follow Jesus, we begin a lifelong journey! For most people, this journey starts with initiation that takes several stages. Some may begin their initiation as infants, some as school-aged children, and some as adults. There is no "right" or "wrong" way, and in all cases initiation follows the same steps.
1. Baptism: Accepting the Gospel and becoming a child of God. Infant baptism involves both preparation and instruction for the family after Baptism. The local parish community supports the family in helping the child to know and love God. Baptism of School-Aged Children is available for children aged 7-11 years.
2. Confirmation: Receiving the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in their fulness. In our Diocese of Broken Bay, children are usually Confirmed after they turn 7 or 8 years old.
3. Communion: Full admittance into the community by receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. First Communion usually takes place in the year after a child has been Confirmed and is accompanied by preparation courses and parish support.
Reconciliation, or the Sacrament of Penance, is not a Sacrament of Initiation and can be received at another time.
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
For adults interested in becoming Catholic, who have been baptised into another Christian denomination, or who have not received all the Sacraments of Initiation, the RCIA program offers support, guidance and preparation. The program usually takes place over six months and involves several distinct stages and ceremonies. Adults usually receive the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil.
To learn more about receiving the Sacraments at North Harbour Parish, please contact our Parish Office.