St John’s Wood / The Gap Parish Sacraments and preparation

Baptism

Parish baptisms are held on both Saturday and Sunday of the fourth weekend of each month. One day at St Peter Chanel Church and the other at Mater Dei Church. Some ceremonies are celebrated outside our parish mass while others are celebrated during a Sunday morning parish mass. Dates are available from the parish office.

A parent preparation session is held at St Peter Chanel Church at 3pm on the third Sunday of each month. It is usual to attend the session the same month as your child’s baptism.  This session is for parents and godparents and will go for approximately 30-40mins.

For children who are at school, a separate preparation session is undertaken. This is a short session attended by parents, child and if possible godparents during which we discuss Baptism, what it means and some of the symbols. This takes the place of the Parent Formation Session and is arranged at a mutually convenient time.

Confirmation

Confirmation takes place each year, with preparation for the sacrament beginning in July and the celebration of Confirmation taking place in early September.

Our preparation takes the form of a Parent Information Evening, which covers the background to the sacrament and some organisational details, followed by four workshops during which we work with the children and parents/carers focusing on developing a better knowledge and understanding of the sacrament and the role it plays in the lives of our children.

Confirmation is celebrated early in September each year and is available for children who have been baptised and are in Year 3 and above.

Eucharist

Eucharist takes place each year, with preparation for the sacrament beginning in February/March and the celebration of First Communion occurring over a period of seven weeks during May and June. Families are invited to attend any of our parish masses during this time, and the children receive their First Communion during that mass. The numbers are kept small, usually a maximum of six families and the experience is made very special with the children celebrating First Communion not only with their family and friends, but also with the parish community.

Preparation involves a Parent Information Evening, which covers the background to the sacrament and some organisational details, followed by four workshops involving both the children and their parents/carers. First Eucharist is available for children in Year 4 and above who have been baptised and confirmed.

Penance/Reconciliation

Penance/Reconciliation takes place at the beginning of Term 4 of the school year, usually during October and into November. Preparation takes place over two or three sessions, involving both children and parents/carers, and is followed by the children having the opportunity to celebrate the First Rite of Reconciliation with their families during a short ritual, which includes both shared and individual prayer and individual confession. Reconciliation is available for children in Year 5 and above who have been baptised, confirmed and received First Communion.

Please contact the Parish Office for further details PH: 3300 6099.

2025 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

2025 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

(Please note, unforeseen circumstances my mean some dates may change)

First Holy Communion Program 2025

• For children in Year 4 and above who have been baptised and confirmed
• This program is beginning NOW – please contact the Parish Office

PH:3300 6099

• Three workshops and a preparation session attended by both parent/carer and children
• First Holy Communion will be celebrated on:
  • Weekends: 5^th/6^th; 12^th/13^th; 26^th/27^th April & 10^th/11^th May

  Confirmation Program 2025

 For children in Year 3 and above who have been baptised

• Begins with a parent information evening in July
• Four workshops attended by both parents/carer and children
• Confirmation will be celebrated in September

 Penance/Reconciliation Program 2025

• For children in Year 5 and above who have been baptised, confirmed and received their First Communion
• Begins with a parent information evening in October
• Two workshops attended by both parents/carers and children
• First Rite of Reconciliation is held early-mid November

Other Parish Events 2025

• Parish masses:
  • Mater Dei – Saturday 5:30pm & Sunday 9:30am
  • St Peter Chanel – Sunday 8am & 5pm
• Weekday masses
  • Mater Dei – Monday & Friday 9am
  • St Peter Chanel – Wednesday & Thursday 9am
• Pot luck dinners (see parish newsletter for dates)
• Youth led masses (see parish newsletter for dates)
• Children’s Liturgy – First Sunday of the month @9:30am mass Mater Dei Church