The Seven Sacraments
The seven sacraments are sacred gifts instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church as visible signs of God’s grace. In our parish, they mark and sanctify each stage of the Christian life, from initiation through healing and service. Celebrated within the Church, the sacraments draw us into deeper communion with Christ and with one another. Through them, we receive God’s grace, are strengthened in faith, and are called to live out the Gospel as members of the Catholic community.
Infant Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation and the beginning of a child’s life in Christ. Through water and the Holy Spirit, a child is welcomed into the family of God and into the life of the Church. Our parish joyfully supports parents as they present their child for Baptism and commit to nurturing their faith. Preparation for Baptism helps families understand the meaning of the sacrament and the responsibility of raising a child in the Catholic tradition. We warmly welcome parents, godparents, and extended family to share in this sacred celebration. Child Baptism is a beautiful moment of grace, hope, and new life within our parish community.
Adult Baptism
Adult Baptism is a meaningful and prayerful journey for those seeking to become members of the Catholic Church. Through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), individuals are guided in faith, learning, and reflection as they prepare to receive the sacraments. Our parish offers a welcoming and supportive environment where questions are encouraged and faith is nurtured. Adult Baptism is often celebrated alongside Confirmation and First Holy Communion, marking full initiation into the Church. This journey is shared with the parish community, who walk in faith and prayer with those preparing. We warmly invite all who feel called to explore the Catholic faith to take this step with our parish.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is the source and the summit of the whole of the Church’s worship and of the Christian life. As the Vatican Council’s Decree on the Life and Ministry of Priests reminds us: “every other sacrament, indeed every ministry of the Church, is linked with the Eucharist and is directed towards it …. for the Eucharist contains the entire spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ Himself”.
It would be difficult to overestimate the power of this Sacrament to strengthen and to nourish our spiritual lives. Parishioners therefore, are encouraged to avail themselves of this Sacrament as often as possible. It is the duty of parents too, to participate in the sacramental programme provided by the parish, so that their children will be adequately prepared for the their first reception of the Eucharist.
Any child attending school outside the parish but worshipping at St Francis Xavier’s is welcome, indeed encouraged, to receive First Communion with the parish group. All children intending to receive these sacraments in the parish group will be expected to follow the programme of preparation.
So that the Eucharist will be more readily available to people, the Church has authorised what are called Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. These are Acolytes or Special Ministers; lay people who can assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass, or in taking the Eucharist to sick or elderly people in their homes.
If you, or someone in your family is unable to attend Mass, whether temporarily or permanently, due to sickness or advanced age, please contact Fr. Simon and a minister of the Eucharist can be arranged to bring Communion to the home.
Confirmation
By Confirmation the fullness of the Spirit and the gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, wonder and awe, are bestowed. By this outpouring, Christians are enabled to spread God’s love throughout the world bringing peace and joy to all through the Holy Spirit.
The Bishop normally administers the Sacrament each year in our parish. Children are usually prepared in Grade 6, but any parishioners who have not yet been confirmed are invited to take part in the programme.
Reconciliation
Jesus came that we might be saved. He brought healing to us – both physical healing in many miracles and, more importantly, spiritual healing. He saves us from sin. We have been reconciled to God in Christ. This spiritual healing is given to us today through Christ’s Church in what is known as the Rite of Reconciliation.
Until the Second Vatican Council, emphasis had been placed on the private aspect of Penance. The liturgical form of the sacrament highlighted the sinner and his relationship with God. In the Church today there is also a concern for the social and community aspect of the sacrament. Our failures weaken the whole community; our successes strengthen the whole community. In a sense by being Christians we cease to be private persons. The Church is the Body of Christ, and we are the Church. Whether we realise it or not, we are deeply bound up with one another as Christians. This concept underlies the various forms of the Rite of Reconciliation.
The first form of the Rite resembles the former Rite of Penance in which the individual confesses sinfulness privately to the priest, and receives absolution and a penance. In the second form, the community assembles and in an atmosphere of prayer and humility acknowledges its failings. There is reflection on the Word of God; private confession of sins follows; and then there is a community thanksgiving for God’s mercy and pardon.
While there are set times for reconciliation, you may choose to call the presbytery and make an appointment for any time that is convenient.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, comfort, and hope for those who are ill, elderly, or facing serious health challenges. Through prayer and the anointing with blessed oil, Christ brings strength, peace, and the assurance of His loving presence. This sacrament reminds us that God is close to us in times of suffering and weakness. If you or a loved one require the sacrament, Father is available to visit you at home or in the hospital. Please don't hesitate to reach out.
Matrimony
Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. This is a wonderful and exciting time for not only the couple but the whole family. To help make the preparation for your marriage easier, below are some guidelines from the church’s perspective and help with preparing the sacrament.
“The Lord God said: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone’ . . . ” ( 2, 18). These words of the book of Genesis are basic to the Church’s understanding of the sacred character of Marriage. Our Lord raised this natural union to the dignity of a sacrament. In beautiful words the Second Vatican Council refers to this sacrament of marriage as a covenant sealed by an “irrevocable personal consent”; and Richard McBrien reminds us that the “new community signified and effected by marriage is also a sign of what the Church is, a community of love” (Catholicism p798).
Brief as they are, these few quotations show how important this sacrament is in the mind of the Church.
Holy Orders and Vocations
Many feel called to dedicate their lives in service to others, and the Church has many avenues in which we may choose to do so. If you have felt this calling and want to discern what beauty God is calling you for, please visit Sydney Vocations. Please feel free to also reach out to Fr. Simon for spiritual guidance.
