Sacraments
Sacraments are sacred events in which Catholics participate and receive God’s grace at significant times in their lives.
At the same time, the signs and symbols used in conferring sacraments are instruments of God's grace.
There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church:
Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders.
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of three Sacraments in the Order of Christian Initiation, Confirmation and Eucharist being the other two Sacraments. Baptism is about belonging to the church, and it is most appropriately celebrated in your own parish church. It is the Parish Community who welcomes your child for Baptism, and so there is a responsibility of the Parish and Parents to see that the gift of Eternal Life is nourished.
A meeting will be arranged with the parents of the child to be baptised and the Baptism Coordinator. A further meeting will be arranged with the parents and the Parish Priest. Parents are to attend a Baptism Workshop held on the last Sunday of the month to discuss the Church’s expectations concerning Baptism, and then will attend a Presentation Mass where you and your child are welcomed into our Holy Cross Community.
Please email the team to get started Sacraments.kincumberparish@bbcatholic.org.au.
Confirmation
Many years ago the Celebrant baptising your child reminded you of your duty to raise your child according to God’s commandments of love as taught by Christ: to love God and to love their neighbour. You were asked whether you clearly understood what you were undertaking.
We are where we are today because of the decision you made at that time when you asked the Church for Baptism for your precious child. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a powerful moment when our young children affirm those baptismal promises and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is a time of growth, courage and spiritual empowerment as they embrace their role as active members of our faith community. As a parish, we are honoured to walk alongside them on this journey. All children in Year 3 and above are eligible to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation if they have been baptised into God’s family.
If you would like your child to be confirmed this year but they have not yet been baptised, please email Sacraments.kincumberparish@bbcatholic.org.au. The Confirmation dates for 2026 are yet to be advised by the Diocese.
First Reconciliation
Having received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, your child’s sacramental journey continues with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During the Reconciliation program at Holy Cross Parish you are encouraged by word and example to teach your children that Reconciliation is the Sacrament which keeps us accountable to the core relationships in our lives. We want them to know that Jesus loves us unconditionally, and forgives us when we make the wrong choices, that He is the Good Shepherd, He calls us by name, He guides His flock, looks for us with love and compassion when we go astray like the lost sheep, and leads us safely home.
Children in Year 4 and above are invited to begin preparation for their first experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received following Confirmation and before First Eucharist (Holy Communion).
Classes and 5pm Mass: Sunday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd March 2026
Registration: 10th February to 24th February 2026
Sacrament: Your choice of Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th March 2026
3.30pm - 4.00pm Holy Spirit Church
By registering your child for this Sacrament, you are committing yourself and your child both to your attendance each week at the class at 4pm, and also to support your child’s involvement in Mass at 5pm following each class.
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is celebrated after the completion of both Confirmation and Reconciliation, usually in Year 3, or at least when a children is eight years or older. The Sacrament of First Holy Communion completes a person's journey into full communion with the Catholic Church and is the high point of our faith.
Classes and 5pm Mass: Sunday 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st May 2026
Registration: 20th April to 4th May 2026
Sacrament: Sunday 7th June 2026 at 11.00am
The Feast of Corpus Christi
Become a Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The RCIA program is the process by which adults become full members of the Catholic Church. It is a gentle, friendly method of developing a relationship with Jesus, and his Church, through the Word of God and of a growing understanding of the traditions of his Church.
From mid to late June, we meet one night a week (except for school holidays), until the following Easter. From Advent until Easter we also attend a weekend Mass together. We celebrate various steps during the process, Rites of the Church, which give people the chance to review their decision to continue their faith journey, and help to prepare them for a deeper relationship with Christ. Full initiation occurs at the Vigil Mass on Easter Saturday evening. Along the way, we encourage people to ask questions about the Faith.
For all enquiries please contact Paul Salmon via the Parish Office.
