Preparation for the Sacraments for Children

St Mary’s Catholic Parish Beaudesert

Parish Policy for preparation for the Sacraments for Children.

Arrangement of the Sacraments of Initiation

At St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Beaudesert, children are prepared for the Sacraments according to needs and upon discernment of each child’s readiness.

Children from the age of seven, who are not Baptised, are enrolled in a modified Catechumenate and are Baptised, usually at the Easter Vigil. They then join the other children preparing for Confirmation and First Reception of the Eucharist.

Children who were Baptised as infants, may be considered eligible for Confirmation and First Reception of the Eucharist from about the age of seven. 

Confirmation is celebrated near Pentecost, and the First Reception of the Eucharist usually takes place a year later in July or August. These dates can also change due to a childs needs.

Preparation for Confirmation and First Communion

The Sacramental celebration is prepared for within a Parish Program, that involves at least child and parents. When readiness for the Sacraments has been determined, each child is enrolled in the Parish Program for Sacramental Preparation. Each child is expected to be receiving on-going Catechesis (Catholic Instruction), both before and after the time of celebrating the Sacraments.

Celebration of these Sacraments

The Ordinary Minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the Bishops of the Diocese.

First Communion is usually celebrated at one of the parish Sunday Masses in July or August. Jesus invites us to join Him, to hear about the Good News of God’s love and care for all people. Through our Baptism we have been called to be followers of Jesus and spread the Good News.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)

The opportunity for the celebration of Sacramental Reconciliation, precedes the First Reception of Eucharist. At this stage, children will normally be introduced to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, through a communal Second Rite of Reconciliation in a simplified form.

The principal parish program relating to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) will take place for those who are about ten years of age, to prepare them for the celebration of the individual First Rite of Reconciliation.

Special Needs

Greater pastoral flexibility is the practice for those who have an intellectual disability or other special needs.

Sacramental Preparation Classes

All the children who enrol in the Sacramental Program, will be required to attend lessons with their parents.

What to expect

You can expect to:

• Receive information through the Parish Newsletter at Mass, on the St. Mary’s Website, or through the School Newsletter, alerting you to the times and dates of preparation meetings.
• Attend parent / child information and training sessions, along with a family night activity session for Confirmation.
• Receive assistance from the Parish, to help you work with your child at home preparing for the Sacraments.
• Support your child, by encouraging participation at one of the Masses on each weekend.
• Pay a nominal fee to cover costs of materials needed for preparation.

Reconciliation(Penance) for older children

Enrolment: Term One.

Confirmation Eucharist

Enrolment: Term Two.

Reconciliation(Penance) for Year 2 children

Enrolment: Term Three.