SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

SACRAMENTS

baptism

infants

Baptism is a gift that Jesus gave to the Church by which we experience the life that he gained for us by his death and resurrection. Baptism of infants is encouraged because by it, parents are showing their desire that their child should share in all that is important to them. It is the beginning of the child’s initiation into the family of the Church, the Body of Christ.

Please see Baptism Information Booklet for more information regarding the Baptism Preparation and choosing Godparents, when you have spoken to the office and are ready to book at date, complete the Baptism Enrolment Form and the Census Form 2021 and return them both to the parish office.

Please contact Andrea Hunt in the Parish Office on 9543 2677 or admin@holyfamilymenai.org.au at least six weeks before the desired date so that we may advise you on how the programme works.

Infant baptisms are held every second Sunday of the month at 11:15am, after 10am Mass and fourth Sunday during the 10am Mass. There are no baptism held during Lent. Lent 2024 will begin on Wednesday, 14 February and ends on Thursday, 11 April.

Baptism donations can be made using our QR Code

adults

Adults wishing to be baptised need to be aware that a preparation time is normal. Adult preparation takes place through Rite of Christian Initiation Adults.

This is a process whereby adults wish to join the Catholic Faith. It is for anyone who is unbaptised or converting from another Christian faith.

The process generally lasts for 8 – 9 months, culminating at the Easter Saturday Vigil after weekly meetings.

Contact:

Keith Corbett – 9543 0665 or 0400 423 713
Angela Benson – 8502 9260

baptism certificates

Certificates are usually given at the time of Baptism. Certificates are needed for enrolment in a Catholic School and for admission to First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Recent copies are needed at the time of Marriage. To obtain a copy of a Baptism Certificate, contact the parish where you where baptised.

reconciliation

At Holy Family, first reconciliation is celebrated during first term when children are in Year 3. Appropriate preparation is carried out beforehand. Children who are older but who have still to receive the Sacrament for the first time are welcome and will receive suitable preparation.

first holy communion

First Holy Communion is celebrated during August when children are in Year 3. Appropriate preparation is carried out beforehand. Children who are older but who have still to receive the Sacrament for the first time are welcome and will receive suitable preparation.

confirmation

Confirmation is celebrated each year for young people and others who may not have had the opportunity previously. Young people in year 6 at School or later are eligible. (Please note that children baptised in the Maronite Catholic rite and other similar rites were also confirmed at the same time. Confirmation can be conferred only once.) Adults who wish to be confirmed may do so through the R.C.I.A. program.

marriage

Please contact the Parish Office at least six months before your intended wedding date.

Wedding bookings will be accepted where at least one of the couple is a parishioner or has some significant involvement with the Parish.

Couples whose wedding is booked at Holy Family will be strongly encouraged to attend an approved Marriage Preparation Course, and to meet several times with the priest who will be celebrating their wedding.

Weddings can normally be booked for any day of the week. Sundays can pose problems so if it seems necessary to have your wedding on a Sunday it is best to discuss it with the priest.

Archdiocesan instructions are that while reasonable requests should not be refused, a priest is under no obligation to accept a wedding where neither partner has a connection with the parish.

Attendance at a Regional School, which may be on the premises of any Parish, is not seen, of itself, as setting up a connection with a Parish.

anointing of the sick

The Sacrament of the Sick, or Anointing of the Sick, is the application by the church of the ministry of Jesus to those who were in need of healing. It is the prayer of the Church community for the person who is seriously ill or is experiencing the weakness if old age. Serious illness includes chronic pain, illnesses that confine one to bed or to the house, or illnesses that need hospitalisation.

Sacraments are meant for the living. Therefore, it is inappropriate to give the Anointing of the Sick after death has occurred. If a person has died, prayers commending that person to God are the normal action of the Church, and it is good of family members are present for these prayers.

Sometimes people speak of the LAST RITES of the Catholic Church. What does this mean?

The Anointing of the Sick is NOT the last rites of the Church. A Latin word “VIATICUM”, which means “going with you” or “on the way with you” is used to refer to Holy Communion received by a person who is near death and is the gift of Jesus himself accompanying the dying person in the journey from this life to the next. This, with the sacrament of reconciliation and the anointing of the sick makes up the full “Last Rites” of the Church. At such times the anointing of the sick is administered because it is about inner healing as well as physical healing but it should not be forgotten that Holy Communion is also a healing sacrament.

vocations to priesthood and religious life

If thoughts of either priesthood or religious life have crossed your mind and you want to find out what’s involved, contact your priest and have a look at the website below.

The Vocations Office of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney
Catholic Vocation Ministry Australia for more on both clerical and religious life.

contact us

If you have any questions about our Sacramental Programs for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, please contact our Sacramental Program Co-ordinator, Eleanor Emmerson on 9543 2677 (press 3) on Thursday and Fridays during the school terms only or via email sacraments@holyfamilymenai.org.au

For all other Sacramental enquiries please contact Andrea Hunt on 9543 2677 (press 2)