Children's Faith Education
Religious Education
Religious education for children is natured by the Parish in a variety of ways:–
1. Through the Religious Education classes at St Anthony's Parish School.
2. At the After School Religious Education Program.
Each Monday afternoon during term the children gather at 3.15pm for afternoon tea; they move into the Church for a short prayer liturgy, then they break up into small groups to learn about the Catholic faith. These sessions are especially helpful for those children attending local state schools. If you would like to know more about this program, or would like to help, please contact Kath on 3357 6723.
3. Classes at Kedron State Primary School, Leckie Road, Kedron.
This is the only state school within our parish boundary. An inter-denominational religious programme is provided by members of various local Christian Churches. Catholic volunteer teachers are always welcome. For those who would care to help, an Orientation Programme is organised. Teaching entails 30 minutes per week from 9:30am till 10:00am on Fridays. Contact Pauline Power on 3356 4247.
4. Children's Liturgy
Children's Liturgy is held during the celebration of the 7:30am & 9:30am Masses.
Children's Parish Mass is held on the 4th Sunday of the month at 9.30am Mass.
5. 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.
Learn More - 2011 Sacramental Program