Sacrament of Baptism for small children St Mary’s Sacramental Programme
Sacrament of Baptism for small children
In accordance with our Diocese guidelines, parents who wish their child (or children) to be Baptised have to first attend a short course which is usually held over three sessions. (you may not need to complete this if you have already attended the sessions with previous children in the last 3 years but you may need to book an appointment with Fr Philip to discuss this) Baptisms in this parish are usually celebrated on 4th Saturday of the month. Your child will be welcomed into the Parish community at Mass the week before their Baptism.
Since baptism recalls and makes present the paschal mystery (death and resurrection of Jesus) once again, the celebration of baptism should reflect the joy of the resurrection. Therefore, it may not be appropriate to celebrate baptisms in the Lenten season but to defer them until the Easter season.
Please contact the office for more information or download an enrollment form and either email office@mtalbertcatholic.org.oz or post to 20 Kitenui Ave Mt Albert.
Sacrament of Initiation (Reconciliation, Confirmation & Eucharist)
The Sacraments of Initiation, (Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist) are celebrated, for children in school year 4 or over.
Children eligible for the Sacraments of Initiation are advised through the weekly parish bulletin, and through the school, as to when to register for the programme, and when the start date will be.
This preparation programme is run by the Parish using lay people, who are fully instructed into how to run the programme, and the programme is fully supported by the Marist Primary School.
The preparation programme involves both parents and children who are also required to attend Sunday Mass with the group.
Separate sessions for parents are provided at the same time as those for the children. At least one parent is expected to attend the preparation sessions.
The Sacraments of Initiation are preceded by the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist follow later.
Our current Sacramental Programme will begin in March 2019. An enrollment form for 2019 can be downloaded here.
The Information morning for Parents will be held on 17 March 2019 at 9 am in the Marist Primary School staff room. All parents who wish to enroll their child for this years programme are requested to attend. The last date to enroll your child is 11th March 2019.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The R.C.I.A (Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Adults) programme is available in our parish, with dedicated teachers (catechists) and people joining the process at any time through the year.
Adults who are unbaptised or baptised in another Christian Church, and who are interested in becoming Catholic, are assisted in their deliberations here at St Mary’s through the Church’s official R.C.I.A. programme.
A similar Rite is used for receiving children 7 years of age and older.
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic or if you know of someone who would like to know more about the Catholic faith, we have a series of introductory booklets entitled “What Catholics Believe” available free, from the Parish office.