Sacramental Journey
The Sacraments at St Brigid's:
The Sacraments are sacred signs through which we encounter the grace and presence of Christ in our lives. At St Brigid's Catholic Church, we joyfully celebrate these holy moments as pathways to deeper faith, healing, and community.
Baptism of Children
We welcome your child to be baptized at St. Brigid’s. Whenever we welcome new life, our life as a faith community is enhanced. Parents, godparents, and the community promise to share the joys and challenges of living our Catholic faith.
As a Sacrament of Initiation, Baptism is the first step in our life-long journey of faith. Parents who decide to have their baby baptized are also choosing to share their own faith by the example of their words and actions. Baptism, then, makes visible your commitment and that of the godparents you choose, to the ongoing growth in faith of your child. A faith that is alive and active is "caught" more than it is "taught."
Baptism Preparation
We hope that this time of preparation and celebration will be an opportunity for you to both reflect on your faith and to renew your commitment to living out your chosen responsibilities. May you understand as addressed to you the words of Christ to His disciples: "Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always...."
- A formation session for the parents and godparents on first Sunday of the month
- A Rite of Presentation at a Sunday mass on 2nd Sunday of the month, where the first part of the Baptism Rite is celebrated.
Baptism weekend
3rd or 4th Sunday of the month, at 12.00 noon or 2.00 pm
Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is open to all Parish children who are in year 3 or above. As primary witnesses of the faith to their children, parents participate actively in the preparation of their children for the sacraments. Our preparation program incorporates "at-church" sessions/retreats for parents and children as well as "at-home" learning for parents and children to do together.
Preparation
The preparation process at St. Brigid’s will guide parents in helping their child(ren) understand both what we believe as Catholics and how to live out those beliefs. The focus of the preparation is not only for the child’s first celebration of these Sacraments but, more importantly, for a lifetime of regular participation in the Sacrament of God’s love and mercy and a lifetime of being nourished at the Table of the Lord. Sacrament preparation is not only about cognitive learning; it is also a period of spiritual preparation. All members of the family are privileged to journey with these children as they prepare to celebrate these Sacraments.
Reconciliation is during Term 1 for Year 3, and First Communion is during Term 2 for Year 3. This is a Parish/Family-Based Sacrament Programme that involves:
- Information & Registration sessions with the Sacrament Team
- Three to Four Preparation Sessions with families
- Family Preparation at home through the workbook
- Rite of Presentation of the candidates to the Parish Community at a Mass
- Parish Reflection Day for candidates a week before the Sacrament.
- Celebration of the Sacrament.
- Reconciliation is celebrated as a community on an evening. First Communion is celebrated on the feast of Corpus Christi.
Confirmation
"Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighbourhoods, society, and the world."
Preparation and Dates
In school year 6, children are invited to present themselves for Confirmation. It needs to be their choice to have their Baptism confirmed by the Bishop or his delegate. Like Reconciliation and First Communion, there are formation steps that need to be taken:
- Information & Registration sessions with the Sacrament Team
- Three to Four Preparation Sessions with families
- Family Preparation at home through the workbook
- Rite of Presentation of the candidates to the Parish Community at a Mass
- Parish Reflection Day for candidates a week before the Sacrament.
- Celebration of the Sacrament.
Session dates and Time
Contact Sr Elenita for more information.
Marriage
When couples grow in love, there often comes a time when they wish to make a lifelong commitment to one another in a public way. For some, this may take the form of a civil ceremony. In the Catholic Church, Christian Marriage is a sacred celebration where a couple exchanges vows in the presence of a priest or deacon and two witnesses (who must be 18 years or older).
The Church asks that marriages be celebrated in the parish church, where the faith community gathers for the sacraments. To begin the process, couples are asked to register with a priest at least six months prior to the wedding date to allow time for preparation and paperwork.
Marriage Preparation
Both the State and the Church highly recommend completing an approved marriage preparation course. These courses provide an opportunity to reflect on the strengths of your relationship and identify areas for growth, helping you to build a strong foundation for married life. Our priests are available to guide and support you through this important stage.
To avoid last-minute stress, we encourage couples to contact the Parish Office well in advance—ideally six months before the wedding—to ensure all arrangements are in place.
Booking a Wedding
- Saturdays: Between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm (by arrangement with the Parish Secretary)
- Sundays: 2:00 pm
Further Information
For more details or to begin your marriage preparation, please contact the Parish office
parish@stbrigid.org.au
Anointing of the Sick
In the letter of James, he says that when a person is sick, one should call the elders, and they should lay their hands on them and anoint them. We celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing after Masses on First Fridays, in hospitals and homes, and also at monthly Masses at the Nursing Homes.
Contact parish office for home visits
Ministry of Care & Support to the Aged and Infirm
Communion is taken to sick residents in Nursing Homes & in their homes on a weekly basis, either by Ministers of Care or family members. Blessing for the Ministers will be given after Mass.
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is offered on the First Friday of each month after 6.45 am and 9.00 am Mass.