Sacramental Program

There are 7 Sacraments in the Catholic Church, and each rite gives the grace of God. Each Sacrament provides an opportunity to gather and celebrate the symbolic and ritual action of the Sacrament and helps us to grow in grace. They are celebrations of people’s encounter with a God who forgives, heals, feeds and enables us to love and respond to all we meet.

The Sacraments of Initiation

The Sacraments of Initiation are the Sacraments that welcome us into the Church – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Once we have received all 3, we are seen as being ‘adults’ in the Church, as we have been fully initiated into the Church.

The Sacraments of Healing

The Sacraments of Healing are the Sacraments that help us to be at peace with God. In the Sacrament of Penance we tell the Priest the things we have done wrong, and we receive forgiveness. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick can be received many times if you are sick, to help you feel at peace with God.

The Sacraments of Service

The Sacraments of Service are slightly different to the other Sacraments. In the Sacrament of Marriage, it is the couple who are making the Sacrament, and making promises to each other and the Priest is just God’s witness to it and gives them God’s blessing. In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the man is making his vows to become a priest to God, and the other Priests and Bishops are witnessing it.

The Sacraments of Eucharist, Penance and Anointing of the Sick are meant to be participated in on a regular basis, to help us receive God and his grace to help us live better lives.

Sacramental Program at Christ the Priest

All children participate in the Sacramental Program at Christ the Priest, regardless of faith background. Baptised Catholics may receive the Sacraments of Penance (Year 3), the Sacrament of Eucharist (Year 4) and the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year 6. Orthodox children are encouraged to receive any Sacraments in their own Orthodox Church.

The children are prepared for the Sacraments in the Religious Education lessons.

Parents and children are required to attend a Parent and Child Workshop in preparation for each Sacrament. They are also required to attend one Commitment Mass for each Sacrament. These are held at weekend Parish Masses on designated days.