First Eucharist (Holy Communion)
The Sacraments are a wonderful gift to us from God inviting us into deeper intimacy with Him. So that children can gain the full benefit of the experience, the preparation is vitally important. Unlike Baptism and Confirmation, Eucharist is a sacrament that can be received as often as one wants, and strengthens us with grace each time it is received.
The celebration of the Eucharist is the centre of the entire Christian life, in which Jesus Christ is offered and received, and by which the Church constantly lives and grows. It is the summit and the source of all Christian worship and life, signifying and effecting the unity of the people of God, providing spiritual nourishment, and achieving the building up of the Body of Christ. (Canon 897)
People normally receive their Sacraments in the Parish they regularly attend (and closest to their residence). Requests may be made to complete their sacraments at Mary Immaculate Church for those who do not live within the Waverley Parish, however this does requires permission from their local Parish. Your child cannot complete the Sacrament of First Eucharist without permission from your local Parish.
2024 Key Dates
Prerequisites:
Enrolment
Please note, students at St Charles Primary School may enrol and pay through the School when Enrolment opens. A copy of the child’s Baptism certificate is required as well as permission from both parents. If you do not attend Mary Immaculate Church on a regular basis or you attend another Parish, you will need to contact the Parish Office. Permission from your local Parish Priest is required with enrolment.
A fee of $30.00 is charged to cover the cost of your child’s enrolment. Please see the payment link at the bottom of enrolment document. No child will ever be denied the opportunity to receive the Sacraments due to financial limitations. Families in difficult financial circumstances should contact the parish office to discuss their situation confidentially. Workbooks will be available at Parent Information night.
Permission from local Parish
People normally receive Baptism in the Parish where they live. However, requests may be made for baptism at Mary Immaculate Church, Waverley. Baptism of those who do not live within the Waverley Parish requires permission of the Parish Priest of their place of residence. To see if you live within our Parish Boundaries, please open this file: Click here for WAVERLEY BOUNDARY
Please contact the Parish Secretary on (02) 9369 9399 or [email protected] if you need any more information.
Four core components of the Sacrament
Children who attend St Charles Primary School will be prepared for their First Eucharist by their school. Parents & Candidates are introduced to the Sacrament and are briefed on working together through the resource material provided. All other candidates not attending St Charles Primary School will be running through their books after the Commitment Mass and to answer any questions you may have.
If your child has extracurricular activities on the days for the preparation classes, please be sure to give the various coaches/instructors notice well ahead of time that your child will be attending the Sacrament Preparation classes on those days. If you have an unavoidable commitment, please contact the Sacraments coordinator so that alternative instruction can be arranged.
A great opportunity for all the students to come together and attend Mass. During the Mass, the children will be encouraged to come forward to show their commitment. Please make this Mass a priority.
Important Training in preparation of Ceremony.
Friday, 13th September @ 11.45am-12.45pm at Mary Immaculate Church.
The First Eucharist Ceremony Mass takes approximately 1 hour and is followed by a group photograph with the priest. This Mass is a special celebration for the candidates and their families to share in. All are welcome.
Children are not required to buy special outfits for the Sacrament, however they are required to dress appropriately. A general guide is how they would dress to attend a special occasion. Boys should wear long trousers and a shirt with a collar, no jeans, cargo pants or joggers. Girls should wear a dress, knee length or longer, and no midriffs or bare shoulders.
Please contact the Parish Secretary on (02) 9369 9399 or [email protected] if you need any further information.