Sacraments are central for Catholics. The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." Our celebrations of the sacraments are signs of Jesus’ presence in our lives and a means for receiving his grace. The Church celebrates seven sacraments, which are divided into three categories.
These sacraments lay the foundation of every Christian life.
These sacraments celebrate the healing power of Jesus.
These sacraments help members serve the community.
Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism (CCC 1277).
Baptism is the first sacrament. It incorporates us into the Church and through it we are ‘reborn’ as daughters and sons of God.
Parents who ask to have their children baptised accept the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith and bringing them up to keep God’s commandments.
Baptism is about being made a part of the community of faith; it is not a private family occasion. Therefore baptisms are normally conducted during Sunday Mass or with several other families at another time on Sunday in the parish church.
Baptism Preparation is provided on the 1st Wednesday of each month by a group of volunteers who assist parents prepare for the Baptism of their child. The role of the team is to ensure that parents are aware of the commitment to Christ that baptism calls from us, to make them feel at ease with the Church and to discuss details of the baptism.
Contact the Parish Office on (07) 4634 1453 if you have questions about the Baptismal process.
Click the button below to learn more about the baptismal preparation program:
Children continue their sacramental journey from Baptism to the Sacrament of Confirmation, and in the process undertake their First Reconciliation. In preparation for this sacrament children are asked to learn about God who forgives, whom we then celebrate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through this process, a person is reconciled with the Church and continues to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of Christian initiation. It is celebrated prior to first Holy Communion. Confirmation completes Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated by the Bishop.
Sacramental preparation programs are conducted twice each year, usually through the school. The first reconciliation program is for children in Year 3 or above. Parish volunteers are available to assist groups in their preparation. Information regarding both programs is available from the church and Our Lady of Lourdes School before the commencement of each program.
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First Holy Communion, that is, sharing in the body and blood of the Lord at Mass (Eucharist) for the first time, is the climax of the initiation process. Eating and drinking with the rest of the community at the Table of the Lord is a sign of belonging fully to that community. It is the duty of parents and the parish to offer children prayerful and practical help to celebrate the sacraments with proper devotion and to form them in the rituals of receiving the sacraments. The parish and the school work with families to help parents prepare their children to grow in their friendship with Jesus and their connection to the Church community.
Families interested in having their child receive this group of sacraments can contact the Parish Office on (07) 4634 1453. Children of the Parish usually take part in a sacramental preparation program at school. The program begins with parent information evenings to explain the program preparation and commitment.
Eucharist is unique among the sacraments as it is at the heart of our faith. For Catholics, the Eucharist, or Mass, is the most powerful way we encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ. Sunday after Sunday (some, of course, gather everyday), Catholics gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the ritual in which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. We who celebrate are also transformed, becoming Christ’s presence to others, and recognising the presence of Christ in others.
