Dear Parents and Carers,
We welcome you and your child into the life of our Parish through the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. These Sacraments of Initiation are a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to renew their faith. Our Parish schools, classes and community support you in undertaking this important role.

This time also provides parents with the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the practice of the Catholic Faith, which began at Baptism, and to deepen their relationship with Christ. This renewed commitment necessarily involves participation at Mass and the reception of the sacraments. This is also an opportunity for non-Catholic parents to understand and share in their child’s faith journey.

The readiness necessary for the Sacrament of Reconciliation consists in knowing right and wrong. This includes, appropriate to the child’s age, an understanding of what sin is. The readiness required for First Communion is similar: that the child is in the right disposition to receive Communion, and has the ability to recognize the difference between the Eucharist and ordinary bread and wine.

Children who are well prepared for Reconciliation generally welcome this opportunity to experience God’s mercy. If your child is Baptised Catholic, in Year 4 or above, and you would like them to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time, please enrol them in our 2025 combined program.

Please note: the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the First Holy Communion programs are combined. If your child has previously completed Reconciliation, you can enrol them for only the First Holy Communion part of the program.

Classes for the Reconciliation and First Holy Communion programs are held on Wednesday evenings at Sacred Heart Church, 115 Hodgson Crescent, Pearce.

How to Enrol

Enrolment for these programs may be done via the Qkr! app or website (Qkr! website). Enter Mary Help of Christians in the “your institution” field.  Enrolment for the 2025 program will open on 20 November 2024 and close on 7 February 2025. There may be limited numbers for some of the First Holy Communion Masses, and preference will be given in the order in which enrolments are received. Enrol early to ensure you are able to attend your preferred Mass.

Program offering/cost is: Combined programs: $80; First Holy Communion only: $60. This may be paid via Qkr!.

PROGRAM DATES

Parent/Carer Information Evening for both programs (Children don’t need to attend): 

• Wednesday 12 February, 6.30pm in the Church
• All program materials will be handed out.

Presentation Masses for both programs:
Choose one of these Masses to attend with your child

• Saturday 15 February at 6:00pm or
• Sunday 16 February at 8:30am or 10:00am

First Reconciliation

First Reconciliation Sessions 1&2

• Wednesday 19 February at 6.30pm in the Church

First Reconciliation Session 3:

• Wednesday 26 February at 6.30pm in the Church

First Reconciliation Session 4 and Practice/Ash Wednesday:

• Wednesday 6 March at 6.30pm in the Church

Celebration of First Reconciliation:

• Thursday 7 March–6.30pm in the Church

No session on Wednesday 12 March

First Holy Communion 

First Holy Communion Session 1:

• Wednesday 19 March at 6.30pm in the Church

First Holy Communion Session 2:

• Wednesday 26 March at 6.30pm in the Church

First Holy Communion Session 3:

• Wednesday 2 April at 6.30pm in the Church

First Holy Communion Session 4/Practice:

• Wednesday 9 April at 6.30pm in the Church

Celebration of First Holy Communion Masses:*

• Saturday 12 April at 6:00pm OR
• Sunday 13 April at 8:30am OR 10:00am

To download a printable copy of the schedule click here.

IMPORTANT: Please remember to email (wodensouth.sacraments@cg.org.au) a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate to the Parish Office as soon as you have enrolled your child.

*We invite the family and friends of the children to attend.  One pew will be assigned per family, with additional seating available throughout the church for more visitors.

If, for whatever reason, you feel that your child is not ready to take this next step in their faith development, or that you are unable to find the time to commit to their preparation, then we encourage you to leave this commitment for another time when your child is ready. Sacraments can be received at any age.

This is a Parish-run program.  Please email (wodensouth.sacraments@cg.org.au) our Parish Office Coordinator in the Parish Office or call at 6286 1908 for any inquiries related to these sacraments and details of the program.
Our Parish Office Sacramental Coordinator is Christina Erwin and she works Wednesday and Thursdays from 9:00 am-3:00 pm.