Changes to the Sacramental Program

Dear Families,

I would like to let you know about some changes to our Sacramental Program that will be implemented starting in 2024. After careful consideration and feedback from our community, we have decided to enhance our program to better serve the needs of our families, parishioners, and team members. We believe these changes will continue to provide a meaningful and faith-filled experience for both candidates and their families.

The Sacramental Program will now be divided into two stages:

·       Reconciliation – Preparation and celebration will now take place in Grade 3. The preparation will begin in September or October, and the celebration will be in November. Preparations will start with our Reconciliation Faith Formation Evening, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated November.

·       Confirmation and Eucharist (First Holy Communion) – Preparation will take place in Grade 4, with celebrations in early Term 2 before winter.

We hope these changes will give families and children more time to appreciate the meaning of each sacrament, allowing us to highlight their importance without feeling rushed.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Tania Dixon or St Mary’s Parish on (03) 5482 1127 (Tues–Thurs, 9am–1pm).

Please complete the enrolment form available on our parish website (PDF version or Google Form).

Thank you for your continued support and participation in the life of our parish community.

Tania Dixon

on behalf of St Mary's Echuca Sacramental Team

Email: tdixon@smechuca.catholic.edu.au

• Enrolment Form Sacramental Program PDF
• Enrolment Form Google Form Link
• Family Sacramental Timeline
• Resources
• Information Kit Journey
• Confirmation Card Form

In the Diocese of Sandhurst, and consequently in St. Mary’s sacramental preparation, it is centred around the parish, with the family as the core unit and the school providing support. This approach to sacramental preparation is primarily spiritual, with adults and children embarking on a faith journey together, deepening their understanding of the sacraments in their lives. This preparation process is age-appropriate, but it's important to note that it's not exhaustive, as the Parish of St. Mary’s focus on faith education and learning about the sacraments is a lifelong process. 

Children learn much about life and faith from ordinary, everyday happenings in families, but families often do not name these experiences as faith. The sacramental preparation process may be the first step towards linking faith and life. There is a real need to affirm parents in their role and remind them that they are the first and primary educators in their children's faith development.

Steps In Faith: A Parish Approach to Sacramental Preparation is the basis for families and parishes. The Catholic School is responsible for continuously supporting this process with co-systematic catechesis on the sacraments.

The Role of Parents 

Parents are the first faith educators of their children and, most notably, model this through their lives witnessed. Parent involvement in sacramental preparation is crucial in shaping each child's values and attitudes. Knowledge is not a critical factor for parents, but faith and a willingness to share time with their children are essential elements. 

Parental Commitment 

The family is the primary setting for a child's authentic faith education. The family environment shapes the child's understanding of God, the Church, and their personal encounter with God through the Sacraments. Therefore, we invite parents to make a commitment to this Sacramental Program by participating in a Commitment Mass and leading prayers such as “The Creed” and “The Lord’s Prayer”. This active involvement and support will ensure your child receives the most comprehensive preparation possible. 

From the Parish 

The sacramental program will be parish-based and guided by the parish priest and the sacramental team. The families need to decide a time for the representative to meet as a group.