SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
This Sacrament is celebrated on Sundays either at St Margaret Mary’s Church at Noon or Mater Dei Church at 12.30 on most Sundays. There may be up to three families celebrating their child’s baptism on any one day. Several weeks’ notice is appreciated giving time for the preparation of parents and god-parents.
The following is expected of families having their child/ren baptised in the Parish:
- Baptism preparation session at least two weeks before the date of Baptism
Should you be interested in booking your child in for a Baptism at any of our Parish Churches, please fill out our online request form.
Online Form – Request for Baptism
For further information contact the office on 8346 0944 or send an email to hello@croydonparkparish.com.au.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS – JOURNEY TO EASTER
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of discernment for adults who want to become a Catholic. It is a time of enquiry and formal preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. This usually begins each year in August/September. The highlight of this process is at the at the Easter Vigil the next year, where those undergoing the RCIA receive the 3 sacraments, and become a fully initiated Catholic. Meetings continue until Pentecost.
For any enquiries regarding the RCIA process, please contact the Parish office on 8346 0944 or via email on hello@croydonparkparish.com.au.
CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME
The Parish, with the Assistant Principals for Religious Identity and Mission (APRIM) of our three parish schools, work together in preparing the children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Enrolments are usually taken for children that are in Year 3 and above or those who will be 8 years old by the time of the sacraments. It usually begins late in Term 3 (November) each year, with First Reconciliation usually in the first quarter of the year, Confirmation in June/July. First Eucharist occurs shortly thereafter over two weekends at all Parish Masses.
As this is a family-based programme, an essential element is the involvement of parents and families. Attendance at parent meetings and Sacramental Gathering Masses are a critical part of the programme.
Enrolment forms are sent through the school for children attending any of our Parish Schools. For parents whose children attend a government, independent or other Catholic school outside of the Parish, enquiries regarding enrolment in the programme may be coursed through the Sacramental Programme Coordinator at 8346 0944 or sacramental.coordinator@croydonparkparish.com.au.
Enrol for the Sacramental Program Online
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE OR RECONCILIATION
This Sacrament is available every Saturday at St Margaret Mary’s Church on from Noon – 12.30pm with many additional times during Lent and Advent in each of our three Churches. Should this time not suit, this sacrament may be requested to our priests by contacting the Parish Office.
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
The Sacrament of Marriage is usually celebrated in the Parish at either St. Margaret Mary’s Church at Croydon Park (capacity: 600 people) or Mater Dei Church, Woodville Park (capacity: 300). Sufficient time needs to be given for the celebration of marriages, especially during October to March which are the most popular months. Government and Church documents, the Wedding Liturgy, and preparation for the marriage programme all need to be attended to. Several meetings with the officiating priest may be required prior to the wedding.
Those preparing for marriage are encouraged/required to attend a Relationship Education Seminar, offered by Centacare. For more information, visit http://www.centacare.org.au/service/relationship-education-program/
Enquiries or bookings for the use any of the Churches of the Parish for the Sacrament of Marriage may be done by calling 8346 0944 or by sending an email to hello@croydonparkparish.com.au.
COMMUNIONS TO THE SICK
Any parishioner who is sick or because of frailty or age and cannot attend Mass on the weekend may receive Holy Communion at home. In addition, Holy Communion is taken regularly to the residents of the nursing homes and hostels within the parish. Please do not hesitate to tell the parish if this is your situation.
SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
This Sacrament is celebrated on certain weekday Masses in Lent and Advent each year. The Sacrament can be received at other times by those who are sick, chronically ill, under pressure, before surgery, or dying.
If you would like to request for an anointing of the sick for yourself or a family member, please contact the Parish Office.
FUNERALS
The Funeral Mass is the central Liturgy for a Catholic Funeral. The family may contact the parish office directly or through the Funeral Director. Our priests will meet with the family to prepare the Liturgy. High priority is given to families in the arranging and conducting of Funerals.