Sacrament Celebrations

Sacrament Celebrations

First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

The aims of the Sacramental Program at Mater Christi Parish are to:

  • Initiate children into a way of living in communion with God and with others and not simply prepare them for isolated acts or occasional celebrations that are incidental to their lives.
  • Help parents and children discover or rediscover the wonderful gift’s of God’s loving presence in their own hearts and in their daily lives, for it is there that God is found.
  • Awaken or reawaken in them a taste for prayer, the joy of relating to God in hope each day, and a sense of human solidarity in the midst of joys and difficulties of life.
  • Help parents in their role of first spiritual guides of their child. Faith is a life, transmitted day by day by those who have not only provided physical life but also a whole range of spiritual values and atitudes.

 

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

  • This programme is offered primarily to children 8-10 years old, who have been baptised Catholic. Usually, children around this age have the capacity to determine right from wrong and, more importantly, understand the need to forgive and be forgiven.
  • Prior to this age, in most cases, children may not have developed the capability for this discernment.
  • Preparation time is approximately 5 – 7 weeks. Information evenings, family and parish-based activities and workshops for the children are all part of this programme.

SACRAMENTS OF CONFIRMATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

  • These programmes are offered for children who have already celebrated their First Reconciliation.
  • Children celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion within the same ceremony initiating them fully into the Catholic Church.
  • Preparation time is approximately 7 – 9 weeks.
  • Information sessions, family and parish based activities and workshops for the children are all part of this programme.

If you are interested in any of these programmes being offered in sacramental preparation please contact the parish who will be happy to support you in this rewarding journey for your child and family.