Sacramental Programs:

Sacramental preparation is best based on the RCIA model of stages and celebrations, focused on the lectionary, in response to adult (parent) request and supported by ongoing community involvement. At Holy Family Parish, this is current practice in several ways:

Baptism:

• Parents request Baptism and choose the date. They are asked to come to the Parish office and to attend a pre-baptism meeting.
• Choosing readings, prayers and blessings encourage parents and families to reflect on the Scriptures and several texts of the baptism liturgy.
• The family participate in a Parish Welcome, where the first part of the Baptism rite takes place.
• The congregation offer support and acclaim the family. The Godstart team, through the annual birthday cards and quarterly gathering, make this support concrete.

First Reconciliation and Communion:

• Parents of Grade 2 children were asked to consider their child's readiness for these Sacrements, and attent an enrolment meeting if this was their decision. The procces began in September and will be celebrated in March.
• The Family preparation booklets include reflection, many discussion prayers and activities based on the Sunday Gospels.
• The children celebrate a 'Call' to the Sacraments at the Sunday Gathereing, and are urged to wear a white sash each time they attend Mass.
• The community offers support together and individually by taking an interedt in a particular child and praying for them regularly. There is Adult Eduation offered and a Family Night for each Sacrament.

Confirmation:

• Confirmation will be celebrated on Thursdau 21st October. The preparation procedd will begin by inviting the parents of children in Grade 6 to condider the Church criteria for initioation and write a letter asking for their child to be confirmed. Again, the preparation booklet will include a focus on the Sunday Readings. The 'Call to Confirmation' will take place a Sunday Mass - and members of the communitywill be asked to involve themselves with the candidates. There will be a variet of meetings for parents, families and candidates.
• A substantial number of post-primary candidates have come forward and a team of people are needed to work with these people.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

• Currents we have two Catechumens and two Enquirers, one of whom is a baptised, catechised member of another Christian Church. All are attending Mass each week.

Liturgy:

• Several "new faces" have worked on Advent and Christmas liturgies. Their contribution added energy and freshness to this seasonal commitment and worked well. Members are being approached to help with Lent-Easter. A request has been made in the bulletin.
• Ministry rosters are regulary reviewed and renewed. Invitations to take up liturgical minitry are responded to by very few, however, the quality is great!

Children's Liturgy of the Word:

• Children's Litugy of the Word continues on most Sundays of the School term at 10:30am Mass. A newcomer of the Parish has volunteered to lead these celebrations.

Parishioner Reflections:

• Dates have been chosen for February, April, May and June. Those involved in this are will meet on 17th February.

Government Schools Apostolate (Sunday School):

• Enrolments continue around the 40 mark, with more than 20 in the 3/4 goup, mostly preparing for First Reconciliation and Communion. Classes are from 9:30 - 10:15am on six Sundays of each Term. We are blessed with seven fine women catechists, four of whom have children in the program. They welcomed the offer of an In-Service/ Reflection Day to nourish and support their ministry.

Continuing Education:

• The Continuing Education Committee met on 10th February.

Acknowledgments: Annemarie Davie (Christian Formation)