Changes to the Sacramental Program 2024-2025
Dear Families,
I am writing to inform you about some exciting changes to our Sacramental Program that will be implemented starting this year. Thank you to those who attended the Sacramental Information Evening earlier this year. I hope this information confirms your understanding, and guides you towards the next steps in your child's Sacramental preparation.
After careful consideration and feedback from our community, we have decided to enhance our Sacramental Program to better serve the needs of our families, parishioners and team members. We know these changes will continue to provide a meaningful experience for both candidates and their families.
Firstly, there will be a short Information Evening for parents/guardians on Wednesday, 4th of September at 7pm, outlining our preparation program and expected commitments. This is compulsory for those who were unable to attend the meeting held earlier this year. Children do not need to attend this evening.
Preparations for the Sacraments will continue on the 9th of October, 2024, with our Reconciliation Faith Formation Evening. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will then be celebrated on Wednesday 13th November.
In early 2025, we will continue with the preparations for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist(Communion). Our celebrations for these sacraments will occur in early Term 2 before winter sets in.
We are hopeful that these changes will greatly enhance the Sacramental Program experience for everyone involved, and we look forward to embarking on this journey together. If you have any questions or would like more information about the upcoming program, please do not hesitate to contact Tania Dixon or St Mary's Parish on 54821127 (Tues-Thurs, 9am to 1pm).
Please complete the enrolment form provided on the website (PDF version or Google Form). Enrolments close on Sept 20th, 2024.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in our parish community.
Tania Dixon
on behalf of St Mary's Echuca Sacramental Team
Email: tdixon@smechuca.catholic.edu.au
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.
