Sacraments

In light of COVID-19 restrictions, the Bishops of Victoria have written and advised that public liturgies and celebrations of the Mass are subject to specific social distancing requirements which are gradually changing.

BAPTISM
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church, followed by First Eucharist and concluded by the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Baptism ceremonies occur at each Parish church. They are presently held on the 4th Sunday of the month, during the early afternoon for one family at a time. The number of attendees is increasing (Covid19 restrictions) - please contact SHWP Parish for the present alllocation. A minimum of one parent and one Godparent must be a baptised Catholic.

Baptism Preparation, for the parent/s, consists of a meeting with the Parish Sacramental Coordinator, a minimum of 1 week prior to the Baptism. The Parish provides a Baptism Stole for the recipient and families provide the Baptism Candle. Families are requested to watch the Flame of Faith (Brisbane Archdiocese) clip. Please click on the tab below for further Baptism documents.

RECONCILIATION
Reconciliation is the first sacrament of healing, the other healing sacrament is Annointing.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Preparation for baptised children in Yr 3+ occurs in Term 1 in both Parish schools. Parish Children who do not attend the Parish schools enrol to attend 5x, after school, 1 hour Catechist Classes. These are held in the Parish Meeting Room, beside Our Holy Redeemer Church, prior to the Reconciliation ceremony. The children from both Parish schools and the Catechetics Class together, also attend a Reflection Day, which is still to be confirmed. As the teaching and learning program for non-Parish children is quite brief, it is required that children attend all classes and the Reflection Day.

In 2020, children completed the preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation but the ceremony, in both Parish churches, was postponed due to Covid19 regulations. The proposed re-allocated date for each ceremony is:

• 10 March 2021 for children already prepared during 2020
• 25 March 2021 for children prepared during 2021

FIRST EUCHARIST
First Eucharist (previously known as First Communion) is the second sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Community.

The Sacrament of First Eucharist for baptised children in Yr 4+ occurs in Term 2 in both Parish schools. Children must have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist. Parish Children who do not attend the Parish schools enrol to attend 5 timesafter school, 1 hour Catechist Classes. These are held at the Parish Meeting Room, beside Our Holy Redeemer Church, prior to the First Eucharist Masses. The children from both Parish schools and the Catechetics Class together, also attend a Reflection Day which is still to be confirmed. As the teaching and learning program for non-Parish children is quite brief it is required children attend all classes and the Reflection Day.

The First Eucharist Preparation Program includes the class curriculum and attending a Parish weekend Mass to make a commitment prior for their First Eucharist. 

In 2020, children completed the preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist but the ceremony, in both Parish churches, was postponed due to Covid19 regulations. The proposed re-allocated date for each ceremony is:

• 30 May 2021 for children already prepared during 2020
• 6 June 2021 for children prepared during 2021

CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the 3rd sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church and is provided for Yr 6+ Parish children. It is held annually in Our Lady's, Wattle Park Church according to archdiocesan date allocation based on availability of the Bishop/Monsignor.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is provided for baptised children in Yr 6+. Children must have received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist prior to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Parish Children who do not attend the Parish schools enrol to attend five after school, 1 hour Catechist Classes. These are held in the Parish Meeting Room, beside Our Holy Redeemer Church, prior to the Confirmation ceremony.

The children from both Parish schools and the Catechetics Class together, also attend a Reflection Day which is to be confirmed. As the teaching and learning program for non-Parish children is quite brief it is required that children attend all classes and the Reflection Day.

All 2020 Confirmation ceremonies are presently cancelled due to Covid19 Restrictions. Sacrament Preparation in the Parish schools continues as normal as the curriculum is determioned by the liturgical year and sacrament readiness and development.  The proposal for a single Confirmation ceremony (both 2020 and 2021 Confirmands) is during November 2020.

ENROLMENT
Parish children, who do not attend a Parish school, are enrolled in Sacramental Catechetics Classes. However, while classes are presently not operating, due to the lack of sacrament dates, names and contact details are being taken so notification can proceed when further information is available. Please click on the tab below for an Enrolment Form.

Please contact the SHWP Parish Office if you have any queries regarding Sacraments.

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