Following the recommendations of the 1989 and 2004 Archdiocesan Synods, the Parish of St Thomas More, Campbell, ACT, seeks to provide preparation for all sacraments through the resources of the parish community.
In respect of the Sacraments of Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, preparation is undertaken using a model that is parish based, family centred and school supported. What does this mean?
PARISH BASED:
The preparation and celebration of the Sacraments is done primarily through the parish.
FAMILY CENTERED:
Parents are the first educators of their children in the ways of faith according to the teachings of the Church. Therefore, parents have an integral role in the preparation of their children for the sacraments. At St Thomas More they take an active role in the faith formation of their children for the celebration of sacraments.
SCHOOL SUPPORTED:
Many children in our Sacramental Programmes attend St Thomas More Primary School. The school teaches students about the sacraments in accord with the curriculum established in the Programme “Treasures New and Old”. The Religious Education Co-ordinator is an important resource to assist the parish in the preparation and celebration of sacraments.
An integral part of the preparation for the celebration of the sacraments of Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation is participation at Sunday Mass followed by sessions of catechesis. This requires the participation of not only the child, but of one parent. The catechetical sessions following the celebration of Sunday Mass, take approximately forty five minutes.
To coordinate the parish based Sacramental Programme, the parish has employed the services of a Sacramental Coordinator, Mr Christopher Evans who can be contacted on 0415 533 155 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or via the Parish Office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
It should be noted that there is a small administrative fee to be paid at the time of registration. This fee includes:
A work book for each child, certificates, medals, flowers and a contribution to the cost of the Parish Sacramental Coordinator.
Engagement with the Sunday worshipping community and morning tea after Mass, provides a caring and supportive environment in which the faith of parents and children can be nurtured as they prepare for the important sacramental moments in life. It is my prayer and hope that should you participate in our Sacramental Programme, you will find it a religiously fulfilling experience and want to commit further to building our faith community.
St Thomas More Parish and School Sacramental Programme - 2023
Reconciliation
Catechesis Dates (all after Sunday Mass):
12 February
19 February
26 February
5 March
12 March
Retreat Day - 15 March
Celebration - Term 1 - Saturday 18 March 2023
First Communion
Catechesis Dates (all after Sunday Mass):
14 May
21 May
28 May
4 June
11 June
Retreat Day - to be advised
Celebration - Term 2 - 19 June
Confirmation
Catechesis Dates (all after Sunday Mass):
Still to be advised
Celebration - Term 4 - 29 October
Enquiries to Mr Christopher Evans 0415 533 155 or the Parish Office at 0416 823 447.
Sacrament of Baptism
Baptisms are usually held during the 9.30 am Mass. All parents are required to book their baptism with the Parish Office one month in advance and attend a baptism preparation course with the Parish Priest.
Sacrament of Marriage
Marriages are held at the Parish by appointment and all engaged couples are required to attend a marriage preparation course delivered by an approved provider. Please contact the Parish Office for bookings and further information.
Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation)
Reconciliation is available at the Parish 5:00 to 5:20pm on Wednesday at Campbell, 9:30am Saturday at Dickson or 12:00 - 12:30pm on Friday at Braddon.
Sacrament of the Anointing of Sick
The Parish Priest is available to provide the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick by appointment and after 9:30am Mass on the first Sunday of the month.
Communion to the Sick
Eucharistic Ministers can be arranged to administer the Eucharist to the sick and infirmed who are not able to attend Mass by appointment.
Funerals
Funerals are held at the Parish by appointment. Please contact the Parish Office for bookings and further information.