Dear Parishioners,
Due to the rapidly changing situation in respect to the threat posed by COVID-19, and acting on the advice of the Australian and Victorian Department of Health we have opened the registration for our First Eucharist Programme and we will keep you updated of any changes.    
Sincerely
Father John Madden

If I were to ask most adults what they actually know about the Mass, their knowledge would be profoundly lacking.  Others maintain a belief system that is based on pious personal opinion but lacking in objective serious reflection. 
It is important in today’s world that parents’ have some grounding in Sacramental Theology, so they have a more mature, and dare I say, a valid understanding of the Eucharist. 
In a world where most people are well educated, our knowledge of the Catholic faith is lacking if not remote.  How can we expect people to attend weekend Mass regularly if they do not understand the theological underpinnings of this sacred mystery?  I for one would not regularly attend something I did not understand. To this end, I have introduced our Parish Sacramental Programme. 
Its aims are as follows:

1. To help adults is their own spiritual and sacramental development
2. To inform parents so they can pass on their knowledge of the faith to their children. 
3. To answer any theological or sacramental questions people may have. 
4. To inform debate and challenge pious but well-intentioned errors. 

 
Sunday Mass 
International renowned theologian Fr. Frank O’ Laughlin believes it three generations to leave the Church. 
The 1^st generation is parents who attend Mass on Sundays and belong to a worshipping community.  The 2^nd generation represents those parents who do not follow their parents’ example and view attending Mass as a choice for individuals to make rather than a Commandment from God.  This view is passed on to their children in turn so that the link with the Church is weakened.  Church now becomes a place to visit for special occasions, Christmas and Easter, baptisms, weddings funerals, or to seek support in times of difficulties.  The 3^rd generation is those children who have little or no identification with the Church.  Baptism becomes a social family affair rather than membership with the Church. 
 
Why Weekend/Sunday Mass 
As you know one of the concerns I have as your Parish Priest is the fact that, so few parents bring their children to Mass Regularly.  As Parish Priest, I have a responsibility to look after the spiritual welfare of those placed in my care.  The Church requires that people attend weekend Mass.  This is nothing new.  In fact, the Jewish people were required to obey the 10 Commandments.  These are Commandments of God and not a request.  The third is to keep holy the Sabbath day.  Hence the Church requires that people attend Mass in response to this command from God.  So, in truth, I am not asking you to come to Mass.  Rather as your Priest, I am stating that this is what God commands of you as Catholics and Christians.  This is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that in #2181 “The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own priest.<119> Those who deliberately fail in this obligation “commit a grave sin.” 
Footnote:  119.  Cf. CIC, can. 1245.

Costs for registration, administration, certification and Adult Education sessions will be $150.00 per student.  Registration, copy of Baptism Certificate, Reconciliation Certificate and payment are due on Tuesday 1 June 2021. 
NB. there will be no registration accepted after this date unless prior arrangement has been made.  

BANK DETAILS:
BSB: 083 347
ACCOUNT #: 682 606 383
REFERENCE: EUC: CHILD'S NAME

Readiness
If you feel you or your child are not ready to commit yourself to the Parish Sacramental Programme you can always choose to defer for a year or more until you feel ready to make the commitment necessary to make this programme as personally and spiritually meaningful as possible.  Failure to participate fully in this programme, without a valid reason, may lead to the postponement of the reception of your child’s Sacrament. 

Students must attend Mass and submit their Commitment form (COMING SOON) at one of the following Masses:

• Saturday 24 - 25 July 2021, 6PM, 9:30AM & 5PM

To be confirmed

14 - 15 August 2021, 6PM, 9:30AM & 5PM
21 - 22 August 2021, 6PM, 9:30AM & 5PM
28 - 29 August 2021, 6PM, 9:30AM & 5PM

There is a maximum of 8 First Eucharist candidates per Mass.