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:  

Please refer to our Adult Education Sessions (see below) with include the following:

1. To inform adults concerning their own spiritual knowledge of this Sacrament
2. To inform adults so they can pass on their knowledge of the faith to their children. 
3. To answer any biblical, 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 parent's 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.

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. 

Costs for registration, administration, certification and adult education sessions will be $150.00 per student.  To register for our parish programme kindly complete our Registration form, provide a copy of your child's Baptism Certificate, Reconciliation Certificate and payment by Sunday 23 July 2023. 
NB. there will be no registration accepted after this date unless a prior arrangement has been made.  Your child can only celebrate one Sacrament a year as this allows your child to truly focus on the Sacrament your child is celebrating.

PAYMENT & BANK DETAILS:
BSB: 083 347
ACCOUNT #: 682 606 383
REFERENCE: EUC: CHILD'S NAME
PAYMENT AMOUNT: $150.00

Or you can scan this QR Code with your phone camera and follow the prompts to organise payment.

Children who have registered for our programme are required to attend Mass and submit their Commitment form at one of the following Masses:

• Saturday 5 AUGUST 2023, 6 PM
• Sunday 6 August 2023, 9:30 AM

Even though your child may be enrolled in the programme, it is important to contribute to their education and preparation both at home and in Mass.  Preparing a child for their First Holy Communion involves discussion, study and spiritual preparation. 
Fr John Madden has produced five sessions on Eucharistic Theology.  These five sessions will give you an understanding of the Eucharist and the importance of attending Mass.  These are:
1st Session:    Introductory Rite
2nd Session:   Liturgy of the Word
3rd Session:   Understanding the Eucharist A
4th Session:   Understanding the Eucharist B
5th Session:   Communion and Recessional Rite
6th Session:   A deeper understanding of the spiritual/transcendent nature of the Eucharist

Click on each session to access the videos.

These workshops will be child-focused.  Our Parish Sacramental Programme is open to all children who belong to our Parish independent of where they attend school.  It is essential that some adults are also present for obvious reasons.  It is compulsory to attend both sessions to ensure that your child is adequately prepared for the reception of the Sacrament.  Please note no further instructions will be offered outside of these workshops.  

Our Parish-Based Sacramental Programme involves two workshops.  There will be every opportunity to spiritually prepare your child by giving them a clear understanding of the meaning and purpose of this Sacrament.  This will include how to receive the Sacrament offering practical advice as well as answering any concerns they may have.  Consequently, it is essential to participate in our Parish-Based Programme to prepare your child for their Sacrament.  

These workshops are for your child's spiritual benefit.  We will explore the Sacrament of First Eucharist:
* to prepare your child to receive the Sacrament.
* for families to reconnect with their local parish.
* to get acquainted with your local parish priest on a personal basis.
* to develop a spiritual way of life.

The workshop is scheduled on: 
Date: Saturday 12  & 19 August 2023
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Venue: Sacred Heart Church, 116 Cotham Road Kew.
What to bring: pen, colours pencils, and a drink bottle
Please note that there are only two compulsory sessions offered in 2023, there are no online or make-up sessions available.

Your child's first reception of the sacrament of the Eucharist could be taken on the following dates:

• Saturday 26 August 2023, 6 PM
• Sunday 27 August 2023, 9:30 AM
• Saturday 2 September 2023, 6 PM
• Sunday 3 September 2023, 9:30 AM
• Saturday 9 September 2023, 6 PM
• Sunday 10 September 2023, 9:30 AM
• Saturday 16 September 2023, 6 PM
• Sunday 17 September 2023, 9:30 AM

You can register your preference through https://www.trybooking.com/CCVZX
Please note that there is a maximum of 8 First Eucharist candidates per Mass and you can only book one session per child.