Sacraments

We of The Good Shepherd are delighted to share in many important occasions and services which bring you and your family closer to God. By choosing to baptise a child, receive a sacrament or enter into marriage, you are creating and strengthening your relationship with God and with the church. Our Parish community is here to provide support and guidance to you and your family on your journey through life as a child of God. 

Baptism

Baptism is a simple ceremony, where the person or child is immersed in water. It has been practiced by Christians since the time of Jesus.

Baptism is the sacrament via which a person becomes part of God’s family. Baptism should take place in a public church service on a Sunday, as this is when the family of God meet, allowing the whole congregation to witness the admission to the Church and welcome them. Other times for Baptism can be discussed with the Parish Priest.

Parents and God Parents (2) must attend a Pre-Baptism Seminar prior to scheduling the Baptism. 

The Seminar is offered once a month on the 4th Sunday of every month in the Parish meeting room at 2:00PM.

Please bring a copy of you child's birth certificate.
Please contact the Parish Office to book your seminar.

Weddings

Please contact the Parish Office for an appointment. Arrangements should be made at least 6 months in advance.

Holy Communion for the Sick

Please contact the Parish Office for a date and time. Annointing of the Sick can be booked-in for any time.

Eucharist & Penance

As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion.

We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour.

A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916).

A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.

Sacramental Program

The Sacraments are usually undertaken with the help of the Parish primary schools.Our sacramental program is based on the principles from the Catholic Education Office approved Sacramental Books.

Reconciliation is celebrated each year for children in Year 3. First Communion is celebrated each year for children in Year 4. Confirmation is celebrated each year for year 6 students.

School teachers and parish members will assist families to fulfill the obligation of forming their children in their faith.

Next Intake: Sacraments of Reconciliation & 1st Holy Communion 2026/2027

Registration forms will be available from Oct 19, at the entrance of the church or from the parish office. Completed registration forms and a COPY of Baptismal certificate must be submitted on this night. Note: NO registration forms will be accepted after this date.

For more information, please download this Information Sheet:

Schedule for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in 2026

Parents Information Night (Reconciliation) and Registration

  • Monday 9 Nov 2026 @ 7:00pm in the church
  • Parents only (no children)

Reconciliation Classes: (2026)

  • 10:30am - 11:30am on the following 4 Sundays:
  • 15 November, 22 November, 29 November & 06 December 2026
  • Venue: Good Shepherd Primary School
  • Note: Child & Parent/Guardian MUST attend all classes

Rite of Penance (1st Confession):

  • Monday 07 December 2026 @ 7:00pm in the church
  • Please inform confirmed sponsor ASAP
Schedule for the Sacrament of 1st Holy Communion in 2027

Parents Information Night (Eucharist) and Registration

  • Monday 08 February 2027 @ 7pm in the church
  • Parents only (no children)

Eucharist Classes: (2027)

  • 10:30am - 11:30am on the following 4 Sundays:
  • 14 Feb, 21 Feb, 28, Feb & 07 Mar 2027
  • Venue: Good Shepherd Primary School
  • Note: Child & Parent/Guardian MUST attend all classes

Rehearsal:

  • 06 April 2027, Tuesday, church at 7pm

1st Holy Communion Dates:

  • 1st Holy communion will be during the weekend masses at 6pm Saturdays and 9am & 6m Sundays, dates are as follows:
  • 10/11, 17/18, 24/25 April 2027 (These dates are during school holidays before Term 2)
  • Note: Dates will be organised by the sacramental team and will be provided to parents during the Reconciliation classes.
  • Important: If you have plans on the above dates or your child cannot attend all the classes above, please defer. It is important that families commit to the required lessons.

 

For more information or any concerns regarding sacraments, please send an email to sacraments@goodshepherd.org.au

Our Parish community is here to provide support and guidance to you and your family on your journey through life as a child of God. 

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