The
process of sacramental initiation for children already baptised
is family-based and parish-centred. In this way, chidren
are brought up to be full members of a community of faith.
The
sacraments of confirmation and eucharist complete the journey
of sacramental initiation begun at baptism. They are celebrated,
in that order at such time parents believe their children
have reached the age of reason (although the parish does determine
a minimum age limit). The sacrament of penance is also celebrated
with children as part of the journey towards full sacramental
initiation into the Church. This is generally celebrated by children for the first time before they celebrate confirmation
and eucharist. |
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The proceess for the
sacramental initiation of children is founded upon the same principles
as Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), which is the
model for all Christian initiation in the Church. Children, therefore,
engage in a period of preparation in the midst of the parish community
before the celebration of each sacrament. Parents are encouraged
to fulfil their responsibility and priviledge as first educators
of the faith to their children.
ENROLMENT
INTO THE SACRAMENTAL PROCESS FOR CHILDREN
Enrolment
forms for the sacramental process are made available from the
parish centre each year around February-March. A form needs to
be completed for each sacrament to be celebrated (to assist with
parish administration), and returned by the due date specified
to the parish office. Parents
are asked at that time to make a financial contribution towards
the cost of the resources used for the sacramental preparation
of their child.
SACRAMENTAL
PROCESS DATES
FIRST RECONCILIATION
Children who are in
year three of primary school are eligible for First Reconciliation
at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A parish-based preparation course
is conducted prior to the celebration of the sacrament. It is
essential that the child and parent(s) attend this course.
Preparing
for Reconciliation
Here
are some sites that parents and children can visit in preparation
for Reconciliation.
CONFIRMATION
Children who are
in year four of primary school are eligible for Confirmation at
Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In keeping with Diocesan guidelines,
children celebrate confirmation before receiving Eucharist for
the first time. A parish-based preparation workship is conducted
on a weekend prior to the celebration of the sacrament. It is
essential that the child and parent(s) attend this course.
Preparing
for Confirmation
Here
are some sites that parents and children can visit in preparation
for Confirmation:
FIRST COMMUNION
Children who are
in year four of primary school are eligible for First Communion
at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In keeping with Diocesan guidelines,
children celebrate Confirmation before receiving Communion for
the first time. A parish-based preparation course is conducted
in the weeks prior to the celebration of the sacrament. It is
essential that the child and parent(s) attend this course.
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