After Baptism, your child will continue through the Sacraments on their way to understanding and living the Catholic faith. After Baptism, your child will be Confirmed (usually around 8yrs of age). After Confirmation, your child will receive First Holy Communion (usually around 9yrs of age). And finally, your child will have receive Reconciliation / Penance (usually around 10yrs of age). This process has been agreed upon by the Archdiocese of Brisbane (see their policy below). Contact the parish osastjames@bne.catholic.net.au In 2024, St James parish does things a little differently to ArchBne, as we recognise we have a small group of school children who will leave this environment due to schools in our area. Fr Francis has introduced over the last couple of years – after Confirmation, children take part in Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in the same year. All parents and children (from Confirmation 2023) are receiving an invitation to the Sacrament of Reconciliation program, as many children will be attending a different school shortly. If you are sure your child won’t be transferring to another school shortly, please let us know and we will invite your family to Sacrament of Penance / Reconciliation in 2025. Sacrament of Penance / Reconciliation concluded.
First Holy Communion 2024 (updated schedule) In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, this program is offered to children a year after receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. The main resource for this Sacramental Program is “Growing Up Catholic: Eucharist” from the Pastoral Center. This resource uses a home-centred model where one or both parents or guardians will help their children with their formation process.
Anytime BEFORE the program commences, please send to the parish office a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate (this applies only if your child was not part of the Confirmation program here at St James). As part of our liturgy and asking for prayer support from parishioners, we also request for an A5 photo or printed picture of your child (at the back of the picture, please write your child’s first and last name. Please note that the office will laminate the pictures, so a photo printed on an ordinary paper is fine. Photo paper is also welcomed, but not necessary).
Tuesday 16th April 6:00 pm Parent-Info Session (attendance of guardian or parent/s is required; children are not required to attend this session)(parent formation on the Eucharist 1) - Parish Hall
Sunday 21st April 9:00 am 4th Sunday of Easter Rite of Enrolment during Mass - church
Monday 22nd April 6:00 pm Parent-Child Home Session 1 - Home
Sunday 28th April 9:00 am 5th Sunday of Easter Honour the Lord’s Day - Eucharist - church
Monday 29th April 6:00 pm Parent-Child Home Session 2 - Home
Sunday 5th May 9:00 am 6th Sunday of Easter Honour the Lord’s Day - Eucharist - church
Monday 6th May 6:00 pm Parent-Child Home Session 3 - Home
Sunday 12th May 9:00 am Ascension of the Lord Sunday Honour the Lord’s Day - Eucharist - church
Monday 13th May 6:00 pm Follow-up Session with Parents (parent formation on the Eucharist 2) - Church
Tuesday 14th May 6:00 pm Parent-Child Home Session 4 - Home
Sunday19th May 9:00 am Pentecost Sunday - Honour the Lord’s Day - Eucharist - church
Monday 20th May 6:00 pm Parent-Child Home Session 5 - Home
Sunday 26th May 9:00 am The Holy Trinity Sunday - Honour the Lord’s Day - Eucharist - church
Monday 27th May 6:00 pm Rehearsal with children – First Holy Communion (children are required to attend this session) - church
Tuesday 28th May 6:00 pm Parent-Child Home Session 6 - Home
Sunday 2nd June 9:00 am The Most Holy Body and Blood Sunday: First Holy Communion Day Mass is followed by Morning Tea w/ FHC Cake (parents to bring a plate to share with community) - church