Baptism
Whether a baby or later in life, Baptism is a birth into the Christian community and into a Faith which is the recognition of the importance of God in your family’s life. Here at St Gregory the Great Parish, Baptisms are celebrated as part of any weekend Mass as it is not only a special sacrament and blessing for the family celebrating Baptism, but a joyous reminder to the Church community about their own faith and what it means to them. Please visit our Baptism page for more details.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is offered every Saturday morning at 9.30am or by appointment. Please contact the Parish Office.
First Reconciliation – For a child’s understanding may be defined as ‘Preparing to make peace’. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as ‘Confession’ or ‘Penance’, is one of the sacraments of the Church which specifically continues Jesus’ ministry of healing and forgiveness of sin. Here at St Gregory the Great, our Parish School helps to prepare our children for their First Reconciliation sacrament. If you or your child would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, more information and registration details can be found on our Reconciliation/First Eucharist page.
First Holy Communion (Eucharist)
‘Eucharist’ is a Greek word meaning ‘thanksgiving’. The Eucharist is a celebration of the Christian community in which all are included. The ritual around the Eucharist is to nourish and nurture us, so that strengthened by God’s Word, we are enabled to act and live with courage and commitment as disciples of Jesus in our world. Here at St Gregory the Great, our Parish School helps to prepare our children for their First Holy Communion Sacrament. If you or your child would like to celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, more information can be found on our Reconciliation/First Eucharist page.
Confirmation
Confirmation is traditionally the sacrament of initiation into the Christian community, and acceptance towards the challenge and responsibility of nurturing God’s gifts to the world. Candidates are invited to go into the world (as the Apostles did) with the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Confirmation is celebrated at a special service in our church once a year officiated by Bishop Leslie Tomlinson and our Parish Priest Fr Charles Balnaves. Here at St Gregory the Great, our Parish School helps to prepare our school children for their Confirmation sacrament. If you or your child would like to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, more information can be found on our Confirmation page.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2024 for Children NOT ATTENDING our Parish School
Preparing children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation (the Sacraments that complete our Christian Initiation which began in Baptism) is primarily the responsibility of parents.
This is a responsibility that all parents promise to undertake when their children are baptised as infants.
God’s love and presence are made real and celebrated in the Sacraments. Important times and experiences in our lives are celebrated and enlivened by God’s presence. Each Sacrament signifies, in a particular way, the transforming love of God and the new life which Jesus Christ brings. Your Parish is ready to assist you in the joyous responsibility of preparing your children for the Sacraments and, to this end, you and your children are invited to become fully involved in the ongoing life of your Parish Family in addition to the Sacramental preparation program offered for your children.
TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
In order to register your child in any of our sacramental programs please click on the link below and complete the registration form and return it with the child’s Baptismal Certificate to Margaret O’Donnell, email – margaretodonnel@gmail.com
or email to St Gregory’s parish - DoncasterRE@cam.org.au
The catechetical fee is $100 per child per Sacrament. Please make payment by electronic transfer, our bank details are as follows:
BSB: 083 347 Account No: 570157667 Account Name: St Gregory the Great Parish
If you reside outside of Doncaster Parish boundaries, please provide a letter of permission from your local parish priest. This is a courtesy to let your parish priest know that your child is continuing their sacramental journey in another parish.
IN REGISTERING YOU MUST COMMIT TO ATTENDING EVERY PART OF THE PROGRAM.