"Celebrating 130 Years"
"Celebrating 130 Years"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:
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 Sunday 27 February 2022.
NB there will be no registration accepted after this date unless 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.
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:
Parents are required to guide their child's understanding of sin. Fr John Madden has recorded two adult education videos to assist you in educating your child. (VIDEO LINK)
Please book your child's Reconciliation through our Trybooking. Please print and provide your booking slip to Fr John Madden.
Reconciliation will occur on Saturday mornings after 9:15 am Mass. There is a maximum of 3 students per week.
Once your child has completed their Reconciliation, the Reconciliation certificate will presented at any of our weekend Masses by booking via Trybooking.