First Holy Communion 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The parish is inviting families to enrol their child for the sacrament of
First Holy Communion which will be celebrated at our parish on:
Saturday 1 July 2023 at 05.00pm
&
Sunday 2 July 2023 at 10.00am
To be eligible:
- Your child should be in Year 4 (minimum age 9 years) and above
- Received the Sacrament of Baptism and
- Received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The parish-based Preparation Program for children along with their families will commence with an Information Evening on the 25 May 2023 at 7.00pm, a commitment mass and preparation classes. Please note active participation is essential if you wish to have your child receive this sacrament.
Use this Link to register
2023 – First Holy Communion – Google Forms
Please feel free to contact me via phone or email, should you need support.
We look forward in sharing this journey with you and your family.
God bless,
Sophia Brewty
Sacramental Coordinator.
St Peter Chanel & St Joseph Parish
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 9644 7787
Streams of living water will flow from within
Important Dates for FHC 2023
| Week 01 Dec 2022 | Commencement of Registration |
| 10 Feb 2023 | Final date for Registration |
| Thu 25 May 2023, 7.00pm | Parent Information Evening Venue: The Parish Hall It is a requirement that all candidates along with their parents/guardian attend and participate in ALL sessions & complete online assignments |
| Sat 03 Jun 2023, 5.00pm & Sun 04 June 2023, 10.00am | Commitment Mass Kindly remember to bring in your Commitment card that will be given out at the Information Evening Candidates along with their Parents/Guardians are required to attend this Mass and promise/commit to actively partake in the preparation for the sacrament of First Holy Communion |
| Wed 31 May 2023, 7.00pm | Session 1 Venue: All classes are held at the Parish Hall |
| Wed 07 Jun 2023, 7.00 pm | Session 2 |
| Wed 14 Jun 2023, 7.00 pm | Session 3 |
| Wed 21 Jun 2023, 7.00 pm | Session 4 |
| Fri 02 Jun – Fri 16 Jun 2023 Timings: Tues to Fri anytime between10am to 8pm (approx. 20min) Bookings: Kindly call the parish office on 02 9644 7787 between Tuesday to Friday from 10.00am to 2.30pm | Parent & Fr Thomas – One on One Venue: Parish office Focus question: How is the parish assisting you in your spiritual growth? (Kindly take the time to ponder on this question as this would be the theme for this meeting). Please note that your child is invited to join you along for this catch up |
| Sun 18 Jun, 10.00am – 2.00pm | Reflection Day |
| Tue 20 Jun 2023 | Last day to submit Google Classroom assignment |
| Sat 01 Jul 2023, 5.00pm & Sun 02 Jul 2023, 10.00am | Sacrament of First Holy Communion |
Please mark these dates in your calendars.
Eucharist
Holy Mass: Sacrifice, Celebration & Thanksgiving
At the Celebration of Mass or the Lord’s Supper, the People of God are called together into one to celebrate the memorial of the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, the Eucharistic sacrifice. The Eucharistic Sacrifice makes the gathered community present at the Last Supper, Calvary, Christ’s entombment and the Resurrection of Christ. It is the obligation of faithful Catholics to “keep holy the Lord’s day” through participation at the Celebration of Mass. At this gathering, following the traditions set out in the Acts of the Apostles, singing at least some parts of the Mass is encouraged. If anyone of the parishioners is celebrating a special occasion, like a wedding anniversary, birthday, or the anniversary of a deceased relative, he/she is welcome to arrange with the priest to join the Offertory Procession, taking gifts to the Altar.
Only baptised Catholics who have prepared themselves are invited to receive Holy Communion. Holy Communion is a sign of the oneness of faith and unity within the community, while also being the nourishment of Christ’s body for our journey through life. The Body of Christ is given to the communicant normally in their open hand or on the tongue; and it is to be eaten at once with devotion and reverence. Should you see anyone behaving differently, urge them to consume immediately. Sick or immobile communicants are welcome to organise with the priest or the acolyte to receive communion at their seats.
Non-Catholics and Catholics who are not prepared to receive Holy Communion on a particular day are invited to come forward and receive a blessing from the priest or deacon. This is indicated by placing your hand on your shoulder when approaching the priest.
Getting together on Sundays is an occasion to greet one another and to celebrate the joy of Christ together. Making oneself available for socialising before and after Mass will enhance the celebration of God’s love.
Holy Communion for the Sick
Our parish is built around the acceptance of a desire to gather as a faith community. The sacramental, liturgical and pastoral life of the parish are intertwined. The fruit of this life according to the Spirit is holiness. Visits to the sick and elderly could be either to comfort them in their loneliness or to take Holy Communion to them.
If at any time, you or one of your family cannot attend Mass due to sickness, we are only too happy to make arrangements for that person to receive Communion at home. Sickness is not to be a barrier to receiving Communion. It should in fact be a greater reason for receiving the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Communion is brought to the sick by a priest or deacon, or by one of the acolytes or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
When Holy Communion is brought to the sick at home, it is good to prepare with prayer and also by having a place prepared alongside the sick person. A small crucifix and a candle on a white cloth should be sufficient. A glass of water for the sick person will help if he/she has trouble swallowing.
Special Mass Intention Offerings
Should you wish to make an offering towards a special Mass Intention, there are Mass Intention envelopes available in the foyer of the church. The recommended stipend for an ordinary Mass Intention is $10 and for a November Mass is $20.
Intentions could be for deceased relatives and friends or for a special petition or could be a thanksgiving for a special occasion. Though most of the intentions for the deceased are mentioned during the Sunday Mass, the priest will celebrate a separate Mass for each of the intentions. Mass stipends are considered as gifts to the priests and are not included in the income of the parish.
