Sacramental Program message

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We have reached that time of the year where the Sacramental preparation program is in full flight. Those children in Year 2 and above who are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are well into their preparation and will complete their preparation program soon.

I am aware that we have many new families this year, of which, may have their eldest child approaching the age of receiving a particular Sacrament. To these families I say – “Welcome!”

For the parents of these children, Sacramental preparation will be a new endeavour.
The first thing that I would like to say to you is: that I am here to journey with you, your child and your family throughout the Sacramental preparation program. Always feel free to contact me if you have any enquiries, concerns, or questions.

You may be asking: is my child at the age to receive a particular sacrament? What does the preparation program involve? What is required of me during the program? What are the sacraments? With questions like these I will be providing you with regular input here in the school newsletter to address the questions at hand.

The first question that I will address is – “When do children receive the sacraments?”

Within our St. Thomas More Community (which comprises both our school and parish) the sacramental preparation program prepares children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.  I will briefly provide you with the dates and basic information so that you are aware of when it happens and at what stage of your child’s schooling.

First Reconciliation
Occurs in Year Two.
The preparation has begun already for the year and is nearly completed.

First Holy Communion (First Eucharist)
Occurs in Year Three.
Registration and the first week of formation – Sunday 5^th May
Celebration of the Sacrament (First Holy Communion) – 30^th June.

Confirmation
Occurs for our students in Year Six.
Registration and the first week of formation – Sunday 4^th August.
Celebration of the Sacrament – Sunday 20^th October by Archbishop Christopher Prowse.

The Preparation program combines both catechesis and homework, and Mass attendance and Ministry roles, in order to provide the best formation for our children preparing for the sacraments.

The prerequisites for entering the sacramental program are:
- the child must be a baptised Catholic.
- Both the child and the parents are willing to commit to the program to the best of their ability.

If a child has not received the sacraments and would like to ‘catch up’ then a catch-up program may be available for that child. As an example: if a child is in Year Three and hasn’t undertaken their first Reconciliation then they can undergo a catch-up program prior to undertaking their First Holy Communion preparation. Catch up programs are offered depending on a case by case basis. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if your child needs to be brought up to date with the Sacraments.

If you need any more information regarding the Sacraments, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at:

Tel: (02) 6248 5472
Email: joshua.scott@cg.org.au

Many blessings,

Fr. Josh.