Sacramental Program – St Joseph's Riverwood Parish

at St Joseph’s Catholic Parish Riverwood

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE LINK TO SEE SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM DATES

A Sacrament is a special sign of God’s love and presence in our lives. Sacraments are God’s gift to us through which we come closer to Jesus and his Church.

The sacraments start with Baptism. If your child is not yet baptised, please contact the parish immediately to arrange to meet Fr John and organise the baptism.

Baptism is the gateway to the other sacraments. During the baptism ceremony, the child’s parents make a commitment to teach the child the faith and continue the path of Christian Initiation through the reception of Confirmation and Holy Communion, which are normally celebrated during the child’s primary school years.

First Confession, Year 2 (usually term 4)

First Holy Communion, Year 3 (usually term 3)

Confirmation, Year 6 (usually term 2)

Preparation for the Sacraments of First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation is parish based. The Church expects parents to play an active part in this preparation by attending sacramental information nights, commitment Masses and sacramental lessons.

First Confession

By his death on the cross, Jesus Christ redeemed man from sin. The Sacrament of First Confession restores life to the soul through forgiveness of our sins. Through Confession we come to God to receive forgiveness and healing in our lives and in our relationships.

The candidates celebrate the Sacrament of First Confession with their families at a special ceremony.

First Holy Communion

In this sacrament we receive Jesus himself under the form of bread and are deeply united to Him and to our Christian brothers and sisters.

Students celebrate their First Communion when they are in Year 3. It is a special event for families and an ongoing Sacrament celebrated with our Parish and school family at Mass.

Confirmation

Confirmation deepens our relationship with Jesus and confirms us to live the Christian life by giving us the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Confirmation is usually conferred by a bishop during a special ceremony. The Bishop anoints the sacred oil of chrism on the forehead of each candidate. With the laying of the hands, the candidates are then invited to go out into the world, just as the Apostles did, with the Holy Spirit in their hearts.