BAPTISM
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Through baptism we are freed from the darkness of our world, we become sons and daughters of God and are embraced into the family of the Church. Baptism removes the guilt and effects of Original Sin and incorporates the baptised into the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ on earth. Catholic families are encouraged to baptise their children soon after birth, however sometimes people are baptised later, or even as adults. Whether we are baptised as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
Baptism's take place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, commencing at 11am. A donation of $50 to the parish is requested when registering.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The sacrament of Eucharist brings to completion the Christian process of initiation. In this sacrament we remember what Jesus did for us in his life, death and resurrection. We remember particularly the Last Supper, that final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. At that meal Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we could remember him in a special way. When we receive Communion, we believe that we receive the person of Jesus into our very beings. We become one with him, and we become one with each other. As a community we become 'the body of Christ'.
The Sunday Eucharist (Sunday Mass) is the highpoint of our worship as a parish. Communion is taken to the sick and housebound after each Sunday Mass by Ministers of Communion.
CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of initiation. Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Confirmation perfects our baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the sacrament of Baptism. If Baptism is the sacrament of re-birth to a new and supernatural life, Confirmation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age. Confirmation is a sacrament of empowerment. It gives the strength to follow Jesus and to become involved in the mission which Jesus left to the Church.
RECONCILIATION
Reconciliation is a sacrament which can be celebrated repeatedly throughout one's life, and indeed Catholics are encouraged to receive this sacrament frequently. At a minimum, Catholics must make a confession of sins when they are conscious of mortal sin before the reception of Holy Communion. The precept of the Church says that Catholics ought to confess their sins in the sacrament of Confession at least once a year during the Easter Season.
Reconciliation is available every Saturday from 4.00pm-4.45pm.
There are further reconciliation times during special religious periods such as Easter and Christmas. For details, refer the weekly bulletin or contact the Parish Office.
Please note this registration form will not work using Safari browser.
MATRIMONY
In the Catholic Church, marriage is an important religious event. For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to another person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values. As such, preparing for marriage often means some deep reflection on how God fits into your life, your future and of course, your marriage.
Marriages must be confirmed by appointment. For availability please contact the Parish Office on (02) 9639 6516
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
When a Catholic is very sick, the Church anoints the person with oil in a special ritual of healing called Anointing of the Sick. Traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered both to the dying and to those who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, for the recovery of their health and for spiritual strength. It is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
To enquire about Anointing of the Sick please contact the Parish Office.
Funerals are by appointment only. Please contact the parish office for more information.