A Sacrament is an outward sign manifesting the grace of God. They are signs of what is promised to all who live a full human life of love, forgiveness and service.
There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation (Confession), Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing the Sick and Holy Orders.
The Hibiscus Coast Catholic Community 'celebrates' the conferment of the Sacraments. Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation bring us together to witness and celebrate these outward signs of our Faith.
Baptism
If you have an enquiry about baptism, please contact
Brenda Neville – 426 5599 (works Mondays and Wednesdays 9am – 12noon)
Baptisms take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month at St John’s Church, Orewa at 11am.
Parents are required to attend a Baptism preparation programme before the Baptism, if it is their first child being baptised or they have not attended a programme before.
This usually takes place on the Saturday prior to the baptism at St John’s Church at 2.00pm.
Contact
Exploring Questions About Faith, God and Catholicism.
“Is God calling you? Are you sensing a nudge to explore questions about Faith, the Gospel, Catholicism, Prayer and how a relationship with God can transform your life? Then you are invited to attend relaxed weekly enquiry meetings. The sessions are designed to inform and provide the opportunity to ask any and all questions in a safe, comfortable home setting, and to help you grow in understanding of how God may be inviting you. Anyone 18 and over is very welcome.
Adults who then choose to become Catholic enter a Rite of Christian Initiation process (RCIA) which normally lasts around six months.
Coming to the enquiry sessions does not oblige you to become Catholic. For more information contact John Reardon - 021 609 096
OR, if you prefer to simply explore information about the Catholic Faith confidentially at this stage, the Catholic Discovery website (https://www.catholicdiscovery.nz/ ) has podcasts and/or within New Zealand will post out a set of ten free booklets -‘ What Catholics Believe.’
RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) is a programme for school age children and teens who desire Baptism and to complete their initiation sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. For more information contact Brenda Neville – 426 5599 (works Mondays and Wednesdays 9am – 12noon)
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Ministry
Our Parish is blessed to have a wonderful team of committed and enthusiastic leaders at both of our churches. We offer junior and senior sessions at St. John’s Church in Orewa. Children who attend the junior sessions are typically under eight years of age. Preschoolers are also welcome to attend these sessions but we ask that an adult please accompanies them until they turn five. Once the children have turned eight / have completed the Sacramental Programme, they are welcome to begin attending the senior sessions. At St. Francis’ Church, we offer a combined (junior and senior) lesson.
We are currently looking for new leaders.
Leaders need to be practising Catholics and over the age of 16. They also need to have a strong faith and enjoy working alongside children. The commitment involved is to prepare and lead a lesson once a month.
Training, assistance and ongoing support are available.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this very important ministry, please contact
St John’s - Selina Limrick - 021 104 1309
St Francis - Ann McConachy - 424 3116
Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist
Children 8 years and over are welcome to receive these Sacraments for the first time after completing a simple formation period. Parents are the first educators of their children and both children and at least one of their parents will be required to attend the sacramental formation programme which is led by the Sacramental team.
The programme is normally run over the second and third school terms and lasts around 10-12 weeks with a weekly meeting plus material and ideas for families to incorporate into their home life.
Making a commitment to fully engage in the programme and support it with weekly Sunday Mass attendance as a family with regular Children’s Liturgy is crucial. Children learn what they live and parent's are asking that their children grow deeper into a lifetime relationship with God within their parish community. 10-12 short sessions can never convey the fullness of joy and the transformation of life that God offers each of us. If your family commitments mean the Sacraments cannot be a priority at this time, it may be better to defer them to another year.
To register interest in your child receiving their 1st Sacraments this year, or to discuss any issues about it, please contact Brenda Neville 09 426 5599 (parish office)
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the
Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues
and the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:3-4
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