The below YouTube clip gives a general overview of the 7 Sacraments and their meaning in our daily lives. Each Sacrament will be explored in detail as part of the program; however, this will hopefully put their proceedings and purpose into perspective.
Faith is primarily nurtured in the family. The Church recognises that parents are best qualified to decide their child’s readiness and participate in the process of preparation. The Parish Sacramental Preparation Programs are pastoral activities involving the family and parish communities. The school has a shared responsibility with the parish and is supported through the school’s Religious Education Curriculum P - 12.
Parents participate actively in their child’s sacramental preparation. Parents are intimately involved in their children’s lives and it is in the home where they live love, forgiveness, faith and hope. These experiences form the basis for all sacramental preparation. The immediate preparation in the months before the celebration is an opportunity for faith to be shared in the family.
St Flannan's Parish has a particular role in providing suitable resources, support and encouragement for families in the immediate preparation of children for the sacraments. The sacramental preparation is coordinated through the parish office. A team along with the Parish Priest assists with planning, parent meetings and arranging the celebrations which are held in the parish. In September 2015, the Third Edition of the Sacramental Policy of the Archdiocese of Brisbane was published. The changes are as follows: ·In the year when the children turn eight (Yr 3), they are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. ·In the year when the children turn nine (Yr 4), they are welcomed to the Lord’s Table and receive First Holy Communion (Sacrament of Eucharist). ·The Sacrament of Penance is a two – step process. 1. A simple celebration of the second rite of the Sacrament of Penance in preparation for First Holy Communion. 2. In the year when the children turn ten (Yr 5), they prepare for the Sacrament of Penance with individual confession and absolution (the first rite). Notification of St Flannan's Parish Sacramental Preparation Program is published via the School Newsletter and the Parish Newsletter. Parents are asked to carefully consider the seriousness and commitment involved in the preparation of your child/children to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.
Program Overviews
St Flannan's supports the Parish Sacramental program; however it is important to note that enrolment is the responsibility of the parents. Parents, as ‘first and foremost educators in the faith’ prepare their children for the sacraments, using a parish supplied text, and by attending parent evenings as required. Sacramental catechesis is undertaken in classrooms at levels appropriate to the students’ development.
Preparation for Baptism Baptism preparation will vary depending upon the person being baptised. The below preparation outline is for babies and children under 5. A minimum 3 week preparation time is required to complete this process.
Meet the Families Those registered at the parish for Baptism will meet as per Parish schedule
What is Baptism? As part of the preparation, families complete a short program (3 sessions) to be guided through the history, meaning and significance of Baptism. The program includes a range of learning activities, discussions and shared experiences. Review of the Rites of Baptism Families meet again to review the book and to discuss the Rite of Baptism in preparation for the Sunday ritual.
The link below is a good example of information found in the Baptismal preparation booklet
Reconciliation Preparation The rite of Reconciliation is a much longer process and involves parental support and engagement. The below information outlines the program for 2017. Theme Date Content
Enrollment Weekend xx/xx/xx Enrolling at Parish Mass
1st Parent Meeting 7:30pm xx/xx/xx Information evening Distribution of materials
1. Belonging xx/xx/xx Belonging to a family Belonging to the Church community.
2. Making Choices xx/xx/xx We have the ability to make choices Our choices affect others. Responsibility.
3. Reconciliation xx/xx/xx Our need to admit sin. Saying we are sorry. Seeking forgiveness. Working at making up.
4. Sacrament of Penance xx/xx/xx Understanding and appreciating the gifts of God’s forgiving love as celebrated in the Sacrament of Penance through a Rite of Reconciliation. Family rituals for making up. Return Children’s Workbooks Children’s Meeting 3:30pm xx/xx/xx