2026 Sacramental Program

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME

The Sacramental preparation program in our parish, and indeed throughout the Diocese of Broken Bay, is a parish based and family centred process. It is structured in a way for parents and their child to work through the booklets together as part of a parish sacramental group under the guidance of a group leader, and to continue the discussion and exercises at home. Both parish and family play an important role in journeying with the children towards full initiation into the Church.

Content Editor

3 Sacs

Welcome to the Sacramental Programme for 2026

The Sacramental programme at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish is family-centred, aimed at helping you and your child grow in your faith. 
Click the link below for a copy of our 2026 brochure detailing the dates and requirements for preparing for the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Reconciliation, and First Communion.

Click here to download our Sacramental 2026 Programme brochure

The order of reception of the Sacraments in the Diocese of Broken Bay is Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist (First Communion).

Our program is designed for parents/guardians and their child to work through a booklet together as part of a parish sacramental group, guided by a group leader. We encourage ongoing discussions and exercises at home, along with attending weekend Masses, as both parish and family are vital in supporting the child's journey towards full initiation into the Church.

There are four preparation lessons, held weekly over four weeks, that you must attend with your child. If you miss a lesson, please contact the Parish Office promptly for guidance on how to catch up. Completion of all four lessons is necessary to receive the Sacrament.

We look forward to supporting you and your family during this important time in your child's faith journey!


Important Information for Enrolment in the Sacramental Programme

If you are interested in finding out more or would like to ensure that you receive information about the upcoming Sacrament/s of Reconciliation and Eucharist, and to assist with the enrolment process, please complete the current Sacramental Expression of Interest form (See link below).

Attendance at one of the three scheduled Information & Enrolment sessions is necessary to finalise your child’s enrolment. These sessions provide essential information about the Sacrament and the collection of the workbook. If you're unable to attend one of these sessions due to extenuating circumstances, please contact the parish to arrange a meeting with a priest before the close of enrolments.

If your child wasn’t Baptised or Confirmed at our parish, please bring or email copies of their certificates. Children do not need to attend these sessions.

Expression of Interest form for the Sacrament/s of Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist (Holy Communion) 2026  
(EOI form closes Monday 16 February 2026 at 10pm. Enrolments can still be made by attending the last of our Information and Enrolment sessions on Tuesday 17 February 2026 6:30pm to register your child)


The Sacramental Programme is made up of the following parts:

  1. INFORMATION AND ENROLMENT SESSIONS
    • Parent/Guardian must attend an Information and Enrolment session for each Sacrament (or as advertised) for their child/ren.
    • Information on the Sacrament, class content, and ceremony details is provided.
    • Opportunity for questions and discussion.
    • Children are not required to attend.
    • If an extenuating circumstance prevents attendance, please contact the parish office for an appointment with a priest before the enrolment closing date.

  2. PRESENTATION OF CHILDREN AT DESIGNATED WEEKEND MASS
    • Children will be presented to the parish community during some of these Masses.
    • This presentation affirms the child's belonging to the parish community.
    • It invites the community to pray for the child.

  3. PREPARATION LESSONS
    • Four compulsory one-hour preparation lessons for each Sacrament.
    • Lessons are held at the Parish Centre (hall) next to the Church.
    • A parent or guardian must attend each session with their child.
    • Classes help children understand the symbols and processes for receiving each Sacrament.
    • Dates are correct at the time of advertisement but may be subject to change; any changes will be communicated during Information and Enrolment sessions and preparation lessons.

  4. ENRICHMENT DAYS 
    Enrichment days are held for the children prior to their reception of Confirmation and Eucharist.  On these days, the children revisit what they have learned during the preparation sessions and also receive instructions in preparation to receive the sacrament.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Is there an Enrolment Fee?: Yes. There is an enrolment fee of $30.00 per child, per Sacrament. Payment can be made in cash or EFTPOS during the Information and Enrolment session. If financial difficulties arise, please speak with Fr Brian or Colleen Smith for assistance.
  • Is there an Enrolment Deadline?: Yes. All children need to be enrolled by the advertised closing date of enrolments, including attendance at an Information and Enrolment session.
  • Is attendance compulsory at preparation lessons?:  Yes. Attendance is compulsory for both the child and the parent/guardian at all four sessions of the preparation programme. You must advise Parish office if you miss a lesson, and find out how to make up the missed lesson.
  • Does the parish require copies of Sacramental Certificates to enrol my child?: Yes. If this is your child's first Sacrament at Our Lady of the Rosary, The Entrance, and your child was not baptised here, a copy of the child's Baptism certificate must be provided at the time of enrolment. Additional documentation may be required for other Sacraments not received in our parish.
  • Do we have to attend Mass?:  Yes. As part of the Sacramental Programme, we kindly invite parents and guardians to attend weekend Masses alongside their children. This participation enhances their understanding of the teachings in the Sacramental program and supports their spiritual growth. Your engagement in this process is greatly appreciated.
  • Where are the Sacramental Program events held?: All events will take place at the parish precinct, mainly in the parish centre (hall) unless stated otherwise.
  • What if my child has Special Needs?: We recognise that every child is unique. If your child has special needs, we are dedicated to providing a welcoming environment and accommodating them to ensure they can participate comfortably in our program.

Thank you for your attention to these details. We look forward to supporting you and your child through this important process.


Additional information about sacraments:

We welcome children with special needs and are happy to discuss and work with parents to ensure their child receives the Sacraments of Initiation. If your child has special needs, we seek to accommodate them in our program so that they may be welcomed and participate in the program in the most appropriate way for them. Please contact Colleen Smith for more information (see details below).

The parish also offers a preparation program for families (where one or both parents are Catholic) with:

  • Children aged seven years and older who are not baptised and would like to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
  • Children who have been baptised into another Christian denomination who wish to be received into the Catholic Church and participate in the Sacramental Program.
  • If neither parent is Catholic, we still welcome your enquiry, and we are happy to discuss this further with you.

The parish also accommodates any children/young people/adults who have been baptised Catholic, who may not have received all the sacraments and parents who may wish to become Catholics.

Contact:  
Colleen Smith 
Pastoral Associate/Sacramental Coordinator

 Phone: (02) 4332 2216 
Email