The Sacraments of the Catholic Church

The Liturgical Life of the Catholic Church revolves around the Mass (the Eucharistic sacrifice) and the Sacraments. The Sacraments impart grace and nourish and strengthen us. As the Latin word sacramentum means ‘a sign of the sacred’, a sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. GRACE is a gift from God that helps us to live the Gospel.

The Seven Sacraments celebrated in the Catholic Church are:

  • Sacraments of Initiation:
    • Baptism
    • Eucharist
    • Confirmation
  • Sacraments of Healing
    • Reconciliation (Penance)
    • Anointing of the Sick 
  • Sacraments of Service/Commitment
    • Marriage (Holy Matrimony)
    • Holy Orders 
Baptism
Baptism is the first step of Christian Initiation.

We are drawn into a union with God and embraced into the Body of Christ, THE CHURCH.

  • If you would like your child to be baptised, please contact one of the priests at the Presbytery (Tel: 9802 8538) to arrange for pre-baptism preparation which parents and godparents are required to attend.
  • Adults seeking baptism or who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith, please attend the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), held on Thursday nights. Initiation into the life of the Church is a gradual process that culminates at the Easter Vigil Mass.
  • Christians from other churches, seeking to be in full communion with the Catholic Church, don’t have to be baptised again, if they have been validly baptised. They are asked to attend the RCIA program and are received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. 
Reconciliation

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we have the opportunity to be healed of the effects of sins committed after Baptism by seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness. Children who have been baptised in the Catholic Church are invited to be prepared for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation when they are in Years 3 or 4 (see CHILDREN'S MINISTRY page of this website).

Eucharist

The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1324). The initiation into the Christian community that took place at baptism is further enhanced through participation in the Eucharist. We believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It is spiritual food that nourishes our souls and helps us to live the Gospel.Children who have celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation are invited to be prepared for the Sacrament of First Eucharist in Year 4 or older. 

Confirmation

Confirmation is the Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and the Perfection of Baptism in that it continues, marks, celebrates, strengthens and confirms the Gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Baptism.

Children who have celebrated the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are invited to be prepared for Confirmation.

Preparation for the sacraments for children - Please see the CHILDREN'S MINISTRY page of this website.

Marriage

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage is a vocation, a calling from God. The Sacrament blesses, confirms and sustains, in an ongoing manner, the couple’s acceptance of the call to a lifelong commitment to each other in union with God.

Couples who intend to get married are asked to contact one of the priests at the presbytery (Tel: 9802 8538) and are encouraged to attend the SMART LOVING Engaged Mentoring Programme (See brochure).

Download the Registration form here.