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Christian Initiation incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. 1. BAPTISM Infants are baptised at the request of their parents, usually in the first year of life and in their home parish. 2. CONFIRMATION In Grade 3 (generally the year when children turn eight) or later, they are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation administered by the Bishop or his delegate. 3. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION In Grade 4 (generally the year when the children turn nine and the year after Confirmation) or later, they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance through the Second Rite*. The children are then welcomed to the Lord’s Table and receive Holy Communion for the first time. This is the climax of their Christian tradition. *Please note that the Second Rite is a simpler form of reconciliation and is included as part of the preparation for First Holy Communion. Children will still need to complete the First Rite to fulfil their Christian Initiation.
4. PENANCE (FIRST RITE OF RECONCILIATION) In Grade 5 (generally the year when the children turn ten and the year after First Holy Communion) or later and usually during Lent, they prepare to celebrate more fully the Sacrament of Penance through the First Rite with individual confession and absolution. This builds on the work of the previous year as they take the second step and learn in greater detail what it means to examine their conscience.
Children prepare for the Sacraments at home and within Parish programmes that involve both the children and their parents. When parents have determined that their child is ready for the Sacraments, they make the formal request of the parish for their child’s admission to sacramental preparation. Each child is then enrolled in the Parish programme for sacramental preparation. It is expected that each child will be receiving ongoing instruction at home both before and after the time of celebrating the Sacraments.
The Sacramental Policy for the Archdiocese of Brisbane is available at: https://www.liturgybrisbane.net.au/media/1095/sacramental-policy-christian-initiation-2015.pdf |
