Sacraments

The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Sacraments are "powers that comes forth" from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are "the masterworks of God" in the new and everlasting covenant.

The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1113, 1116, 1131.

Baptism

Baptisms of infants and small children are celebrated at St Patrick's on the 1st & 3rd Sundays at 11.30am. There are no Baptisms in Lent (save in emergencies). Parents bringing their first child for Baptism are asked to attend a short preparation meeting, as the child will be baptised into the faith of his/her parents.

Youth or adults declare their faith for themselves, so are required to have some preparation in the faith, either in private or with a group.

Please contact the parish for further information.

Confession

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is a Parish based coordinated program.  This approach acknowledges the important role of parents and families in the whole preparation process as parents are the first educators of children in their faith.The Parish Sacramental Team, St Patrick's Primary School staff, Catechists and the parish community support families during the program.  In this partnership, the spiritual development of a child can be nourished and grown.  We hope that families enjoy the family-centred Sacramental Program and experience a warm sense of belonging.  If you have any enquiries regarding the program, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office.

Confirmation

At Confirmation we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and guides our Christian faith. The Sacrament of Confirmation at St Patrick's Sutherland is a parish based co-ordinated program. This approach acknowledges the important role of parents and families in the whole preparation process, as parents are the first educators of children in their faith. The Parish Sacramental team and parish community, as well as St Patrick's Primary school staff and Catechists, support families during the program. In this partnership, the spiritual development of a child can be nurtured and grown. We hope that families enjoy the family-centred Sacramental program and experience a warm sense of belonging. If you have any enquiries regarding Confirmation, please contact us.

  • Holy Communion

    In the Eucharist, Jesus gives himself completely to us. Jesus becomes the spiritual food we need for life's journey. The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is a parish based program St Patrick's Sutherland. This approach acknowledges the important role of parents and families in the whole preparation process, as parents are the first educators of children in their faith. The Parish Sacramental Team and parish community, as well as St Patrick's Primary school staff and Catechists support families during the program. In this partnership, the spiritual development of a child can be nourished and grown. We hope that families enjoy the family-centred sacramental program and experience a warm sense of belonging. If you have any enquiries regarding First Holy Communion, please contact the parish office.

  • Marriage

    "The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." CIC, can. 1055 § 1; cf. GS 48 § 1.

    Six months notice is required for weddings. No weddings are celebrated in the Lenten season.

    For further information, please contact the parish.



  • Anointing of the Sick

    The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides a summary of those who can receive it. If you would like to request anointing please provide:

    1. the name of the person to be anointed.

    2. an address specific enough that the priest can find them.

    3. whether the person is able to receive Viaticum (the Eucharist).

    It is also appropriate to prepare a table on which to place the Holy Oil and the Eucharist, as well as a quiet and reverent atmosphere. If the Body of Christ is to be given in the Eucharist it is fitting that Our Lord be welcomed with a lit candle (assuming circumstances such as smoke alarms allow). Likewise, if a person may have trouble swallowing, a drink or "hardened water" should be provided.

    Hospitals have a Catholic priest assigned to them. If the hospital chaplain cannot be contacted, please ring any nearby Catholic parish.