Sacramental Preparation –

Catechetics Classes, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation

Children from the parish not attending St Mary’s or St Margaret’s Schools can be prepared for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion or Confirmation by attending the Parish Catechetics Program.

For further details or to enrol your child, please contact the Parish Office (email: ascotvale@cam.org.au ; phone: 9370 6688). The Catechetics Teacher will then contact you to discuss your request.

"What wonderful Majesty! What stupendous condescension! O sublime Humility! That the Lord of the whole universe, God and the Son of God, should humble Himself like this under the form of a little bread, for our Salvation"   St. Francis of Assisi

Welcome to our Catechist Program - 

First Reconciliation and First Communion

St Mary's Parish celebrates First Reconciliation and First Communion for children in Grade 3 and upwards, with preparation classes commencing in Term 3. These take place at St Mary's Primary School, from 4pm - 5pm, over a period of 10 weeks. 

The Program provides children with an understanding of the Great Story of Salvation and the necessity of the Sacraments, instituted by Christ, as the vital channels of Divine Grace.  Our objective is to help prepare the minds; hearts and souls of these children, so that they grow in the confidence and joy that comes from knowing the all-embracing Love of God for them, personally. In turn, as they are drawn nearer to God, they may live-out their Faith in Jesus each day - joyfully and truly alive - as "Light and Leaven" in the world.

Parents are very welcome to stay for the classes (and many do)!  Please reach out to us by email to: catechist.rc@gmail.com or to the Parish Office, email: ascotvale@cam.org.au; phone: 9370 6688.  We look forward to contacting you personally to assist you further in equipping your child through this wonderful Faith Journey.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Parish Sacramental Program for The Sacrament of Confirmation, commences in Term 1, and classes extend over a period of 10 weeks. Classes are held on a weekly basis after school (except for holidays) at St Mary’s Primary School.  The Sacrament of Confirmation, is conferred by the Bishop, usually in May.  Anyone with eligible children, who attend non-Catholic Schools and are at least in Year 6 or above, and who have been validly Baptised and received their First Reconciliation and First Communion, are eligible to register their interest. Please feel free to drop us a line with your enquiries or to register your child. Email catechist.rc@gmail.com or the Parish Office, ascotvale@cam.org.au.

For adults who are seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation, may we encourage you to reach out to the Parish office, for guidance as to the preparation required for Confirmation. Please email or contact the Parish Office between Tuesdays to Thursdays on: 9370 6688 or email: ascotvale@cam.org.au

The Sacrament of Confirmation, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, teaches that:  

  "Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation, together constitute the "Sacraments of Christian Initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of Baptismal grace. For "by the Sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the Faith by word and deed." CCC # 1285