Education in Faith News 

Confirmation Information Year 6 Families 

Thanks to all families who have completed their Confirmation Cards, we are very grateful.

We will be having a Confirmation Information Session for families at 3pm on Monday, May 6th, in the school hall. This is an optional session for families, as we understand that families are at work during this time; however, if you are free, please join us at 3pm. If you cannot attend, we will send out any resources in the days after.

Details for Confirmation:

• Mass at 5pm on Thursday, May 16th.
• Whole class photo at 4.30pm in the school hall with Bishop Tony Ireland.
• Sponsors meeting at 4.40pm in the school library.
• Reserved seating for students, sponsors, and parents.
• Other family members and guests are most welcome; however, due to spacing, they will not have reserved seating and will have to find their own.
• Everyone to be seated in the church by 4.50pm.
• The school is working on providing parking in the school yard; this information will be relayed closer to the event.
• Dress code is neat casual or Sunday best.
• This is generally a longer ceremony, typically just over an hour.

Sponsors:

• Must be Catholic.
• Must have undergone confirmation.
• Must be over 16 years of age.
• Parents cannot be sponsors.
• Grandparents, uncles, aunts, or other relatives or friends are allowed.
• If a sponsor is unable to attend on the night, another person (including a parent) may stand for them as a proxy.
• During the annointing, sponsors are to place their right hand on the right shoulder of the candidate.
• Sponsors are expected to receive the Eucharist with the candidates.
• Mr. Blake will speak with the sponsors before the ceremony in the school library at 4.45pm.

Letter to your child:

At Sacred Heart, it is a tradition for parents to send a letter to their child expressing what they mean to them and how their child shows the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. This letter needs to be ready for students to read on their Confirmation Retreat Day on May 13th, which will be facilitated by Fr. Martin and teachers. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Both parents can write together or individually. Please send this letter in a sealed envelope to your classroom teacher by Friday, May 10th; students can bring them to their classroom teachers.

Bishop's Visit:

Bishop Tony Ireland will visit the school on May 15th at 9.30am, the day before their Confirmation, to meet with the students.

Please take the time to speak with your child regarding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and their chosen saint. Find out how their saint can be influential in their life and what lessons they have learned from them.

If you have any questions regarding Confirmation, please contact Dara Blake at dblake@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au.

Weekday Class Masses 

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Confirmation

Confirmation is a sacrament in the Catholic Church, typically received by individuals who have reached a certain age of maturity, often during their teenage years. It is considered one of the three sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist.

Confirmation is seen as the completion of the grace received in Baptism. During Confirmation, individuals are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthening their bond with the Church and empowering them to live out their faith more fully.

The process of preparation for Confirmation varies but often involves catechesis (religious instruction), prayer, reflection, and participation in the life of the Church community. It is a significant step in a spiritual journey, marking commitment to faith and a willingness to be active members of the Church.

Journeying Together 

Sacrament preparation for families booklet 

https://sacraments.melbournecatholic.org/ 

Journeying Together covers the sacraments most commonly celebrated with primary-school-aged children - Reconciliation (Penance), Eucharist, and Confirmation. This resource will complement your child’s sacrament preparation at their Catholic primary school or in a parish catechetical setting.

Each sacrament module includes four sessions. Each session includes an invitation to explore and integrate the family’s lived experience with concepts from Scripture, the Church and the sacraments, along with opportunities to pray together.

We hope that by opening this opportunity, many will encounter Jesus and engage with their faith in a fresh and meaningful way.

Listed below are dates for your 2024 diary as well as some interesting information on all things Religious Education at Sacred Heart. 

Dara Blake 

Religious Education Leader