How can I participate in the Sacraments?

Baptism is a symbol of cleansing and new life, marking the initiation of a person into the Christian faith. In preparing for the sacrament of baptism you will need to contact your local Parish, attend a pre-baptismal program, select godparents, choose a baptismal name, prepare for the ceremony, take some time to pray as a family, complete necessary documentation, attend the ceremony with your family and friends and continue the spiritual growth and development of your child. 

Confirmation marks a deepening of a person’s faith and commitment to Christian life. Through Confirmation, Catholics receive the Holy Spirit in a special way, empowering us to live a life of faith, service, and witness. In preparing for confirmation, you will need to contact your local parish to enrol in the program, regularly attend mass, nurture your relationship with God, choose a confirmation sponsor, engage in service and charity and continue to nurture your faith following.  

First Communion marks a person’s first reception of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It occurs well after their First Reconciliation and signifies their full initiation into the Catholic faith and a relationship with Jesus Christ. In preparing for First Holy Communion you should contact your local parish and be enrolled in the program, spend time in prayer and reflection, discuss with others the important of this sacrament, attend confession, practice receiving the Eucharist, celebrate the special occasion, and continue to nurture your understanding and practice of the faith. 

Marriage, in the Catholic Church is an important religious event. For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to another person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values. As such, preparing for marriage often means some deep reflection on how God fits into your life, your future and of course, your marriage. If you are interested in being married in a church of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, contact any one of our Parishes. If you have already set a date for your big day, you’ll be able to determine whether the church is available. If you don’t yet have a date, you’ll be able to discuss the booking process and begin your wedding preparation. When you get married in a Catholic church you have the option of a ‘wedding ceremony’ or a ‘Nuptial Mass’. A wedding ceremony celebrates the Liturgy of the Word and includes gospel readings (which you select with your priest) and the Liturgy of Marriage, where you exchange vows and rings, and the priest will pray a nuptial blessing over you. A full Nuptial Mass includes the above celebrations as well as the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Your parish will discuss these options with you and help you choose what’s best for you and your family. Marriage preparation is so important. Discuss these options with a priest or reach out to Mission & Evangelisation for a few options that suit your needs – mission@mn.catholic.org.au