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PARISH SCHOOL SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
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HOLY TRINITY PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMFOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDRENThe Sacramental Program aims to provide a balanced approach to growth in faith. To achieve this, the family, the parish and the school acknowledge and carry out their particular role, always recognising that it is the child, who is the focus. In keeping with the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Holy Trinity Parish offers a Family centred, Parish based and School and Catechist supported sacramental program, with each community having its own distinct contribution which makes it a genuine partnership.
Three Complementary communities
The Home:
The home is the domestic community which provides an environment where humanity is nurtured, where love of God is first experienced and celebrated.
The School:
The Catholic school is an educating community where the learner is given both formal and informal opportunities to grow intellectually, morally and spiritually.
The Parish:
The parish is a local Catholic community, exercising ministries of service, outreach, initiation and worship.
Our Schools respect the primary role of the family in the faith education of their children and support the family in the sacramental preparation of children. Our Schools will work with the Parish in preparing for and celebrating the sacraments.
Sacramental Program
Baptism
Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation. In baptism Parents request admission to the Christian community on behalf of the child and publicly acknowledges their faith in Christ. It is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God and, along with the other sacraments, begins a lifelong journey of meaning, dignity and faith.
The two communities involved in this sacrament will be the home and the Parish. For details about the program see Section A. (Appendix A is not included in this draft)
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is one of the Sacraments of Healing. It recognises
our sinfulness and celebrates our need to be at peace with God, others and ourselves. It contains three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result, we are called to forgive.
First Holy Communion
As Catholics we believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the third Sacrament of Christian Initiation. It is the sacrament which ‘seals’ or ‘reaffirms’ our baptism before we take the final step in becoming a full member of the Catholic Church. In receiving the sacrament, the child commits to the promises made by their parents during baptism and receives the gifts of The Holy Spirit - which enables them to make a mature statement of their faith.
The Role of the Family
The family unit, understood as the domestic church, has the primary responsibility to form and gradually increase the spirit of faith in children. It is the Christian family that is called to announce the Gospel to children and to bring them through a progressive education and catechesis to the fullness of human and Christian maturity.
What is expected of families?
Parents/Guardians are expected:- To attend the Parent Information Nights specific to the sacrament their child will be celebrating. This is important in order to gain an overview of the sacrament and to obtain information about enrolment and preparation/work kits
- To attend an Enrolment/Commitment Mass
- To attend a Parent/Child workshop
- To return all relevant paperwork by the due date
- To assist their child with the preparation by their daily example of Christian living, praying together as a family, giving the children the opportunity to experience belonging to a faith community, especially at Sunday mass, and helping them with their workbook
The Role of the School
By their very nature, the Catholic school has an important relationship with the family and the wider parish. Teachers are called to support what is happening in family and parish life. With religious education intrinsic to the ethos of the Catholic school and the parish catechetical program, education in faith, with and in support of parents, is a priority.
What is expected of Parish Schools?
The Parish Schools are expected:
To provide a formal education in faith;
To conduct the Sacramental Program focusing on- Reconciliation in Grade 3;
- First Holy Communion in Grade 4;
- Confirmation in Grade 6.
To nurture our children in an environment that leads them and their families to develop their personal relationship with Jesus.It is the responsibility of parents, in conjunction with the Parish Priest
and the School and Parish Sacramental Team to assess the readiness of any child for Sacraments.
Procedures (Parish and School working together)
Religious Education is a priority in Catholic Schools. It provides
the knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Faith and outlines
what is needed to live a Catholic Life;- Our Schools will provide learning and teaching about the sacraments through the Religious Education Program;
- Children will be provided with opportunities for catechesis through prayer and personal reflection;
- The Principal will inform families about the process available in each of the Churches of Holy Trinity Parish. All information letters to Parents will be jointly signed by the Parish Priest, Principal and Religious Education Leader;
- The Religious Education Leader will be represented on and contribute to Parish Sacramental Team;
- Our Schools will work with the Parish by providing resources and personnel to support Parish-based celebration of the sacraments;
- Our Schools will collaborate with the Parish in Religious Education Program in preparing children to receive the sacraments;
- Children will be provided with opportunities for ritual prayer and sacramental celebration as part of the life of the school.