Sacraments of Initiation

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Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation

This Sacrament is a sign and experience of God’s unconditional forgiveness. We have been baptised in Christ and therefore we are called to be united with him and with one another. Sin separates us while forgiveness enfolds us. True sorrow is our path back to God’s healing love. Catholics are urged to confess their sins whenever they are conscious of their need for spiritual healing, and at least once a year, usually during Lent or the Easter Season.

 

 

 

Confirmation

Confirmation is the second of the Sacraments of Initiation, which are: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. In this Sacrament, through the hand of the bishop, the Church passes onto the candidates the gifts of the Holy Spirit which came to the apostles at the first Pentecost. Confirmation strengthens us in our Baptism, so that we can take an active role in the mission which Jesus left for his Church. Confirmation impresses an indelible character, so is received only once.

 

 

Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself.”(Catechism of the Catholic Church §1324)

 

The culmination of the sacramental preparation process is the candidates’ first Holy Eucharist. In receiving the living Christ under the appearance of bread and wine, children begin their life long relationship with Jesus, their loving Saviour. They come to understand that as they grow to become more and more like Christ, they also have to be Christ to the world around them. The Church urges us to attend Mass and receive communion at least once a week, usually Sundays.