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, will need to prove that at least one of them is a Baptised Catholic (please send a copy of the Baptism Certificate upon application). The parents will then need to attend a short course which is usually held over two 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 the Parish Priest to discuss this).
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 EMAIL the office for more information.
Sacrament of Initiation (Reconciliation, Confirmation & Eucharist)
The Sacraments of Initiation, (Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist) are celebrated, for children in school year 4 (8yrs old) 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 Sacramental Programme for 2026 will start on 1st March 2026, registrations close 20th February 2026
Sacramental Registration Form 2026
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). 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. This programme runs for about 6 months and starts around mid-September and goes through to Easter, with Sacraments taking place at the Easter Vigil.
A similar Rite is used for receiving children 7 years of age and older (R.C.I.A)
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic or if you know 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.
Sacrament of Marriage
It is a requirement that couples wishing to marry in the Catholic Church undertake a Pre-Marriage Course. Couples need to enrol for the course at least 1 year prior to the wedding day if getting married in NZ or 18 months for overseas weddings.
Marriage Preparation Programme :
Website: https: www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/discipleship/our-courses/
Contact: Gerry Smith (Leader / co-ordinator)
Phone : 021 02247442
Email : [email protected]