Parish Sacramental Program for School Aged Children

Despite the fact that we were unable to celebrate the sacraments of initiation this year the children’s faith journey continued with their families through the domestic church.  You may have attended, recorded or streamed Masses and liturgies from within our parishes or beyond.  A Children’s Liturgy Gospel Reflection, Ready, Set, Pray the online Melbourne Program and Children’s Activities are being provided weekly which we warmly invite you to use either in full or components that most suit your family.  There has been much cherry picking of resources available for families and children throughout the Catholic community during our lockdown periods.

Weddings, Baptisms, Sacraments and other events in the life cycle of the Church have all been postponed for “after lockdown” or when the “density quotient” for guests reaches an acceptable level.  You may hear of some parishes delivering some options later this year. Mindful of the school year and the importance of family involvement and preparation, the parish has decided to offer the sacramental ceremonies next year to both 2020 and 2021 recipients. At this stage, some specifics are yet to be determined as we move forward in the journey of pandemic restrictions - which we hope will be further eased.

The journey of sacramental learning is an inherent component of Religious Education in all year levels in both our primary and secondary Catholic schools.  Children attending Catholic schools would have been prepared for whichever sacrament is appropriate at their year level this year.  Celebrations of the sacraments were postponed but the sacramental curriculum continued during distance learning.

Surrey Hills Wattle Park Parish is pleased to announce the proposed dates for our Parish Sacramental Program for 2021 (school and catechist students):
 

Reconciliation	Students  in Year 3, 2020	Wednesday, 10 March 2021
Reconciliation	Students in Year 3, 2021	Thursday, 25 March 2021
First Eucharist	Students in Year 4 2020	Sunday, 30 May 2021
First Eucharist	Students in Year 4, 2021	Sunday, 6 June 2021
Confirmation	All students in Year 6 2020 & 2021	Sunday, 7 November 2021 (TBC)

   
As part of the school curriculum, children attending our Catholic primary schools generally prepare for the sacrament appropriate for their year level – Reconciliation in Year 3, First Eucharist in Year 4 and Confirmation in Year 6. 

Children attending other schools are invited to take part in our parish preparation program. The program runs one afternoon a week, after school, for around 6 weeks prior to the celebration of the sacrament. 

As part of the sacramental preparation, all candidates attend a Reflection Day at OLPS School (Reconciliation) or Don Bosco Retreat Centre Lysterfield (First Eucharist). Confirmation candidates will also attend a Reflection Day, details will be provided nearer the time.

Online registration for Sacraments will open on Monday, 1 February 2021.

The Parish Team, together with the Parish schools, continues to monitor and plan for 2021 sacramental delivery, as we reopen our churches and come together in the safest manner. Please be assured, if there is any special need or emergency we are able to adjust our sacramental plans.

Nanette Giovannini
SHWP Parish Sacramental Coordinator
Nanette.Giovannini@cam.org.au