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. 

For our parents and adults we are pleased ro offer two sessions on a biblical understand of sin.  This will be most helpful for any adult who wishes to know more about this Sacrament.  Please go to the adult education section and scroll down to your see the audio/videos sessions.  
 
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 biblical understanding of sin for the children.
• Identify the effects of sin on ourselves and others.
• Explore the major influences in determining responsibility and culpability
• Explain the spiritual significance of this Sacrament
• Explaining the process of receiving the Sacrament to the children. 
• Answer any other questions or concerns the children many have.  

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 the Baptism Certificate and payment by Sunday 19 February 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: REC_CHILD'S NAME
PAYMENT AMOUNT: $150.00 

Or scan the QR Code to organise your 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 25 February 2023, 6 PM
• Sunday 26 February 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 Reconciliation involves discussion, study and spiritual preparation. 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. 

1. Part A Sin: A Biblical Understanding
2. Part B Sin: A Biblical Understanding  

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.

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.  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.  

These workshops are for your child's spiritual benefit.  We will explore the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
* 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 workshops are scheduled on:
Date:   Saturday 4 & 18 March 
Time:   3:30 - 4:30 pm
Venue: Sacred Heart Church, 116 Cotham Road Kew.
What to bring: pen, colours pencils, and drink bottle

Please book your child's Reconciliation through our Trybooking.  Please print and provide your booking slip to Fr John Madden on the day. 
There are 4 Reconciliation celebrations on Saturday mornings commencing at 9:40 am and the final at 10:40 am.  Registration closes on Sunday 19 February 2022.  

Once your child has celebrated their Reconciliation, certificates will be presented on the following Masses:

• Saturday 3 June 2023, 6 pm
• Sunday 4 June 2023, 9:30 am