First Eucharist

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.

Prerequisites:

  • Candidates are in Year 3 or above at school.
  • Candidates have been baptised and celebrated their First Reconciliation. A copy of Baptism Certificate & Reconciliation provided with enrolment form if not completed at St Charles Borromeo Parish.
  • Attendance at the Information Night and Rehearsal session by the Candidate and at least one parent/carer is mandatory. Attendance by both parents encouraged.

Enrolment

Download here – COMING SOON

Due to the current COVID-19 situation and Government regulations the Sacrament of Eucharist will now occur over 4 Sundays in Term 3. This will ensure all Government guidelines are met and adequate distancing occurs in the church.

A letter with further information, procedures and your group allocation will be sent home at a later date.

Please note, students at St Charles Primary School may enrol and pay through the School office. A copy of the child’s Baptism certificate is required as well as the permission of 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.

The cost per child is $30 per candidate and is payable at the time of enrolment either to the Parish house during office hours, or at the parent Information session. 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.

Key Dates for 2020

First Eucharist Parent Information Night: Wednesday, 22 July 2020 at 6:30pm

First Eucharist Ceremony sessions at Mary Immaculate Church are:

  • Sunday 23th August at 11.30am
  • Sunday 30th August at 11.30am
  • Sunday 23th September  at 11.30am; and
  • Sunday 20th September at 11.30am

First Eucharist Information Night

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.

First Eucharist Ceremony

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 office@waverleycatholic.org.au if you need any further information.

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