Sacramental Program
The Sacraments of the Catholic Church are central to our faith. In our Religious Education program, over seven years of primary schooling, we focus on three of the Sacraments. In preparing the children we are conscious that the ultimate responsibility for any child’s faith development and involvement in sacramental life rests with parents and carers. At St Francis Xavier school we work in partnership with the family and the parish community to support the religious growth and development of the child.
Each year we conduct family workshops to help make the time of preparation a significant time for the whole family. All families involved are required to attend these workshops.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received in Year 3 or 4 (in every odd year).
Students of the Middle Learning Community prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in every odd year. They are given the opportunity of celebrating this for the first time at school on an individual basis with our Parish Priest, as a part of the Second Rite of the sacrament.
The Sacrament of Eucharist (Holy Communion) is received in Year 3 or 4 (in every odd year).
Students of the Middle Learning Community prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist in every odd year. The parish community and the students’ families and friends are invited to celebrate together as the students receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. Before the celebration of the Sacrament, students are invited to present themselves to the parish community at weekend Mass, and invite the community to pray for them.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is received in Year 5 or 6 (in every even year).
Students of the Senior Learning Community prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation in every even year. The local Bishop is the principal Celebrant, along with the Parish Priest, who seals the students with the Holy Spirit. The parish community is invited to pray for the candidates when they present themselves at weekend Masses before the sacramental celebration.