 Sacramental Policy
Baptisms
Baptisms of parishioners will be celebrated during the Saturday/Sunday liturgy as arranged with the parish priest or pastoral associate during their family visit. The GodStart team which minister to families with young children will follow up families within the parish who have children baptised (on their children's birthdays) and occasionally organise social gatherings for families of pre-schoolers.
BAPTISM POLICY
BAPTISM BOOKING FORM
Catechumenate
Adults desiring to become Catholics, to deepen their spirituality or merely wanting to enquire about the Catholic faith can see the parish priest or ring the coordinator. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process begins in October and concludes after Easter.
Weddings
The parish has pastoral responsibility for its own parishioners. People not from the parish may use the church provided they supply their own priest. Those who regularly support the parish may offer a donation for the use of the church; others are required to make a $400 offering for the church and a separate donation for the celebrant. In Australia, marriages are celebrated in the parish church of the bride and at least three months notice is required.
First Communion
First Communion is celebrated in Grade 3 for those in St. Michael's School and Grade 4 for those attending other schools. Enrolments are in November. Preparation begins at the Holy Thursday Mass and concludes in October. Cost: $100 per child. Teachers and catechists will support families in fulfilling their obligation to form their children in their faith. Parents who do not support the mission and the maintenance of the St Michael's community with time or talent, or who are unable to contribute regularly to the Thanksgiving Program, are expected to make a contribution of at least $150 per family.
Confirmation
Confirmation is celebrated every year for Grade 6 students. Regular attendance at religious instruction classes is essential. Enrolments in October/November. See First Communion for further details.
Anointing of the sick
Every first Friday at the 11.00am Mass or by arrangement with the parish priest. Most hospitals and homes have their own chaplains and pastoral care teams who attend to the sick while in their care.
Communion to the sick
Ministers of the Eucharist will visit sick or elderly parishioners with Eucharist on Sunday mornings after the 9am Mass. (contact Bernadette Byrne, ph: 9885 8196)
Funerals
Funerals are usually held at 10.00am Tuesday to Friday. The Emmaus Team (bereavement group) will help families with arrangements, preparing the funeral liturgy or vigil service and any other follow up. If the bereaved family wants a rosary they may invite a friend to lead it if they do not feel up to it themselves. Leaflets and books on grief and loss are available.
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