Sacramental Program
In Kedron Parish preparation of children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist, follows the Brisbane Archdiocesan Sacramental Policy. Thus our Sacramental preparation is Parish and family based. While teaching Sacraments is part of the Catholic school’s religious education, preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments is not part of the Catholic school’s designated responsibility.
This policy can be found on the Liturgical Commission’s website: http://litcom.net.au/documents/sacramentalpolicy/sacramentalpolicy.php
Highlights from the policy:
Sacramental initiation is Parish-oriented. Introduction to the Church's Sacramental life is the means through which one enters more fully into the life of the faith community. It is therefore proper that the faith community, expressed in the Parish, be responsible for and intimately involved in the Sacramental preparation and presentation of children.
Recognising the parish as the context for Christian initiation (rather than a Catholic school) lessens the link between a particular school grade and the celebration of the sacraments.
Parent involvement in this is indispensable. They create in the home the prayerful atmosphere of anticipation that leads the child to desire the Sacraments. They share their experiences and the importance they attach to God's Sacramental gifts. They "coach" the child in the ritual of receiving the Sacraments. They lead the child in prayer beforehand and afterwards.
Prior to enrolment, the readiness of each child should be determined. Parents will take the initiative, responding to the parish invitation to enrol their child.
Parents need to ascertain the readiness of their child for celebration of the Sacraments. Simply being in Year 3 is not the only guide. A good indication of readiness is that the child is showing an interest in coming to mass and is beginning to ask some questions about the Church and Sacraments.
Parents please be aware that your involvement in Sacramental preparation is an essential requirement of the Sacramental program. If this is your first child to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist you will be invited to attend an interview with a member of the Parish Pastoral Team to discuss how we can support you on this important preparation journey.
The Parish “Sacramental Team” facilitates the preparation process. This group includes our Parish Priest Fr Stephen Bliss and a team of interested volunteer parents. Our current team includes Bernadette Dutton, Joanne Galvin, and Anna Grasso. Liz Anderson (Parish Pastoral Coordinator) coordinates this team.
See below for an outline of the program and all the important dates: Enquiries to liz.anderson22@gmail.com or phone the Parish Office on 3357 6640.
2012 Sacramental Program
19th February - Parent Meeting - Introduction to the 2012 Sacramental Program
8.30am in the Parish Church
4.30pm in the Parish Hall followed by Youth Mass - sausage sizzle
25th/26th February - Enrolment Week-end
All Masses
4th March - Parent and Child Meeting - First Reconciliation
Surnames A - L in the Parish Hall
11th March - Parent and Child Meeting - First Reconciliation
Surnames M - Z in the Parish Hall
21st March - Celebration of First Reconciliation
7.00pm in the Parish Church
19th April - Parent Meeting 2 Education on Sacraments of Initation and your child
1.30pm in the Parish Hall
7.30pm in the Parish Hall
12th May - Parent/Child Activity Afternoon
12.30pm to 2.30pm (Surnames A - L) Parish Church and Hall
3.00pm to 5.00pm (Surnames M - Z) Parish Church and Hall
17th May - Parent Meeting 3 The Power of Pause: an invitation for parents to reflect and share on the Sacremental Preparation Journey so far.
1.30pm in the Parish Hall
7.30pm in the Parish Hall
26th/27th May - Celebration of Confirmation and First Eucharist
6.00pm Saturday Mass (25 canditaes only)
7.30am Sunday Mass (25 canditaes only)
9.30am Sunday Mass (25 canditaes only)
11.00am Sunday Mass (25 canditaes only)
5.30pm Sunday Youth Mass (25 canditaes only)