
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, Jesus showed himself to the apostles. He breathed on them and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven: if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (Jn 20:19,22-23)
The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance or reconciliation. It is also known as one of the Sacraments of Healing, the other being the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
Weekly Reconciliation
Weekly Reconciliation occurs Saturday 4.30pm to 4.55pm.
For any other times, please contact the parish office.
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation
In accordance with Canon law 914, “children who have reached the use of reason are to have made sacramental confession before the sacrament of First Holy Communion. Therefore, catechesis on Reconciliation must precede the catechesis for Holy Communion.” (Preparing Children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, 2011 pg 15) As such, the Holy Innocents’ Parish based program is available to children in Year 2 and above. Baptism is a prerequisite for Reconciliation.
The Parish Based Sacramental Program at Holy Innocents’
Children from a variety of schools come together to learn and celebrate as a united Parish community. We follow the Sydney Archdiocese preparation program. Children and at least one parent must attend three group preparation sessions. In these sessions, the children, with the support of their parents will be given thorough catechesis on the meaning of sacrament. Content is reinforced by the teachers and catechists in our schools. The children must also attend a commitment Mass and a retreat afternoon.
Firs Reconciliation & First Holy Communion 2021:
In 2021 we are running a combine program the Sacrament of First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion.
This program is ONLY for year 3 students and above. If your child is currently in year 2, please refer back to this page in September for relevant information.
Enrolments Are Now Opened:
Enrolment is to be completed online. Before enrolling, please ensure you have read and understand the Parent Information Letter.
If you do not have a copy of the letter please >>>Click Here<<<
We will be accepting enrolments from the Thus 4th Feb to Fri 19th Feb.
Enrolling in this sacrament is a THREE STAGE process:
STAGE 1: Payment
All payments need to be made online. The fee is $100 if completing both sacraments, or $60 if just completing First Holy Communion.
To make your payment online, please follow these steps. Please make this payment prior to completing the online enrolment form as you will be asked for your receipt number.
- Click on “Support us” at the top of this page.
- Click on “Donate”
- Select “1001984 – Sacramental Programs” from drop down box.
- Fill in the remaining required details, then select your card type.
- Follow the instructions on screen to complete your payment.
- Make note of your receipt number. This needs to be inserted on the enrolment form.
STAGE 2: Complete online enrolment form
Once you have completed stage 1, you must complete an enrolment form each child you have participating in the sacrament.
To complete an enrolment form >>>Click Here<<<
STAGE 3: Submit Your Certificate
We require a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate as part of their registration.
If your child was baptised at Holy Innocents’ and you do not have a copy, please inform Suzanne Miceli not the Parish office. If baptised in another parish, you will need to contact them for a copy of the certificate. This certificate should be submitted to Suzanne prior to the sacrament. Enrolment is not complete until the certificate has been submitted. This may be emailed to sacraments.hic@gmail.com or given to Suzanne.
Important Dates for First Reconciliation 2021
Date | Time | Event | Place |
Thursday 4th Feb | 7.30pm | Parent Information Session
Enrolment opens |
Hall
online |
Sat 13 Feb
or |
5pm
or 10am |
Commitment Masses |
Church |
Friday 19th Feb | Midnight | Enrolment Closes | online |
Sat 20th Feb
or Sun 21st Feb |
3.30-4.30pm
or 8.45-9.45 |
Preparation session 1 | Hall
|
Sat 27th Feb
or Sun 28th Feb |
3.30pm
or 8.45-9.45 |
Preparation session 2 | Hall |
Sat Mar 6th
or Sun Mar 7th |
3.30pm
or 8.45-9.45 |
Preparation session 3 | Hall |
Sat Mar 13th
or Sun Mar 14th
|
3.30pm
or 8.45-9.45 |
Preparation session 4 | Hall |
Sat 20th Mar | 2.30pm-4.30pm | Reflection Afternoon | Hall |
Saturday 27th Mar | 2pm | First Reconciliation | Church
|
First Reconciliation for Adults
Adults, who wish to receive this sacrament, please contact the parish office for details.