Catechist Group are the life-force sharing the Good News with the children in our parish who attend Government Schools. These dedicated catechists take weekly classes to provide the opportunity for these young people to become more aware of God’s loving presence and action in their lives. Catechists have training sessions and are provided with materials to use in the classroom. Many remark about the development in their own spiritual journey being sparked off by their involvement in this demanding and rewarding work.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) – How do young people or adults become Catholics?
People who express interest in our faith are invited to meet in small groups with parishioners who answer questions, share faith scripture and their lives with those interested in the Christian way of life.  When people are ready to make a commitment to
the Christian life they prepare for initiation into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  For further information please contact the office on 9823 2572.

Sacramental Preparation:

Baptism:  John the Baptist Parish celebrates Baptism regularly on Sundays. Families presenting children for Baptism attend preparation on the 1st Sunday afternoon of each month at 4:00pm. Parents and sponsors (Godparents) are most welcome. Parishioners welcome and facilitate this preparation. For bookings and information contact the Parish Pastoral Centre on 9823 2572.

Penance (Confession/Reconciliation), Confirmation and First Holy Communion:  Parishioners support each other in small groups to prepare their children for these sacraments of Initiation into the Church.  Parents are initially involved in this process and attend preparation with their child and do follow up work with their child and present them at the celebrations.  Registration, preparation and celebrations dates are advertised in our weekly Parish bulletin.

Penance (Confession/Reconciliation) is usually celebrated in November for Year 3 students.
First Communion is usually celebrated mid-year for students in Year 4.
Confirmation is usually celebrated during Term 3 of school for students in Year 6.

Preparation is very important and parents need to attend registration to be fully briefed and informed.

Adult Education Faith Formation – The Parish provides publications “Australian Catholics’, the “Little” Books for Advent (blue), Lent (black) and Eastertide (white), weekly scripture readings, sacramental preparation, homilies, visiting speakers and preachers, visiting confessors, Lenten Diocesan Groups and Bible Study Groups. Contact the Parish office for contacts for each group on 9823 2572.