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 Reconciliation Programme and we will keep you updated of any changes.    
Sincerely
Father John Madden

One of the great mysteries in life is the fact that so many people continue to carry heavy burdens.  Burdens of guilt, hurt, and shame.  It is as if we are afraid to look at ourselves honestly and therefore stray into the wilderness unable or unwilling to find inner peace.  We remain burdened. 
For myself, I call the Sacrament of Reconciliation the ‘Cinderella Sacrament’ because it is so often ignored.  It is identified as a child’s Sacrament on the way to receiving their First Eucharist.  Parents bring their children but do not see the importance of the Sacrament for themselves. 
In my experience as a Priest, the Sacrament of Reconciliation can grant inner peace, healing, and self-acceptance.  Imagine a place where you can come to unburden yourself, in total confidentiality and free of charge, whenever you wish.  Imagine a place where you will find understanding and a non-judgemental listening ear.  Imagine a place where God offers healing and new life to you.  Yet the Gift of this Sacrament of Reconciliation is ignored while people carry heavy burdens unnecessarily. 
As for myself, I find this Sacrament the most taxing as it involves all my skills and yet it is often the most rewarding as I see burdens lifted from people time and time again. 
 
How can we expect people to attend Reconciliation if they do not understand the theological underpinnings of this Sacrament of Healing?  I for one would not regularly attend something I did not understand. To this end, I have introduced our Parish Sacramental Program – the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 
Its aims are as follows:

• Give a brief outline of Objective and Subjective moral law.
• Identify major influences in determining culpability
• Explain the theological significance of this Sacrament
• Offer guidance to parents in explaining this Sacrament to their child/children. 
• Answer any other theological or Sacramental questions or concerns. 

I invite all who wish to know more concerning this Sacrament of Healing to attend.

Costs for registration, administration, certification and Adult Education sessions will be $150.00 per student.  Registration, copy of Baptism Certificate and payment are due on Friday 12 February 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: REC_CHILD'S NAME

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

• Saturday 20-21 February 2021, 6PM, 9:30 AM & 5PM 

 To be confirmed

Please register your chosen date on the form.  There is a maximum of 4 students per session so please register early.  

Saturday 17 April 2021, 9:30AM
Saturday 24 April 2021, 9:30AM
Saturday 1 May 2021, 9:30AM
Saturday 8 May 2021, 9:30AM

Please contact the office to organise a date and Mass time.