Sacraments

RECEIVING THE SACRAMENTS
^{DATES for 2010 Sacraments of Initiation :

Reconciliation 4 August,

       Confirmation 27 November:

      First Eucharist 28 November}
Dates for Reconciliation Classes are:
Sunday 25th July 9am
   Sunday 1st August 9am
Dates for Confirmation Classes are:
Sunday 17th October 9am
Sunday 31st October 9am
First Eucharist classes are:
Sunday 7th November
Sunday 14th November
Sunday 21st November (In Church)

There are three ways to receive sacraments at St Mary's Parish.

They are described briefly below, but informatively.
If you, or your children would like to receive any of the Sacraments,
please email Parish office: office@mtalbertcatholic.org.nz

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 two sessions. Baptisms in this parish are usually celebrated communally.
Watch the weekly parish bulletin for registration details.
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, other than in a case of necessity, it is not appropriate to celebrate baptisms in the Lenten season but to defer them until the Easter season.
You are expected to attend the sessions even if you have had children baptised previously.

Sacraments of Initiation (Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist)

The Sacraments of Initiation, (Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist)
are celebrated, for children aged 9 years 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.
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.

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.