Order of the Sacraments for children
Sacrament of Confirmation – At the instruction of Bishop Greg, children who have reached Year 3 in their schooling are eligible to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is an important step in their faith journey, which began with their Baptism. The Parish, through the Sacramental Team, wants to do all it can to help parents prepare their child for the reception of these Sacraments. Confirmation will be administered by the Bishop on Tuesday evening the 21st of May 2024 at 6.00 p.m.
If you believe that your child is ready to receive this Sacrament please complete the Enrolment Form for the Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation Enrolment Form 2024 and return to the Parish Office by Monday 22nd April 2024. Parents who wish their child to receive this Sacrament are asked to attend one meeting, which will be held at St Joseph’s School on Wednesday 13th March 2024 at 6.00pm, your child is also expected to attend this meeting.
It is essential that parents and child/ren attend this meeting, to ensure that proper preparation can be made for the reception of the Sacrament.
The Sacrament of First Eucharist – All children who are in Year 4 and beyond and who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation are eligible to receive First Eucharist.
In 2024 First Eucharist will be celebrated on the weekends of 24th/25th August and 31st August/1st September. You have the choice of the Saturday evening Vigil (6.00pm Alstonville), the Sunday morning Mass (8.30am Alstonville) or the 5.00pm Mass at Wardell. If you would like to enroll your child for First Eucharist please download this form 2024 Enrolment Form for Eucharist and return by Wednesday 24th July 2024.
A meeting for the parents and the First Communicants has been set for Wednesday 26th June 2024 in the staffroom of St Joseph’s School Alstonville. It is of the utmost importance for you to attend this meeting. The meeting will address the meaning of the Sacrament of Eucharist and will be the opportunity to organise the various groups for home instruction. This will involve all parents from both government schools and St Joseph’s.
Family based preparation will occur during July/August and will consist of four lessons, at which you the parent, will be asked to be present. The activity booklet that your child completes must be returned to the parish office by Monday, 12th August 2024. The booklet will be returned to the children at Mass when presented with their Holy Communion certificate.
More Information
For adults, refer to Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Contact the Coordinator through the Parish Office on 6628 3047