Baptisms
The Sacrament of Baptism is the beginning of our initiation into the Christian community. It is a Sacrament which should not be delayed for too long as it is the beginning of our faith journey and brings with it many wonderful gifts from our Loving Father through the encounter with Jesus Christ that takes place on the day of Baptism.

In booking for a Baptism, it is important to remember that parents need to attend a Baptism Preparation evening before the Baptism. All bookings are made through the Parish Office.
This preparation evening provides an understanding of the Baptismal Ceremony and what it means to the parents and the child to be baptised. It is also an occasion where parents reflect on the privilege they have in developing the spiritual life of their child. Baptism is an event, but it is much more – it is the beginning of the journey of faith; each day of our lives we are living out our Baptism.
We would use this opportunity to remind you that Baptisms should take place in the parish you belong to, which may be the geographic location of the parish or the parish where you are involved and where you worship.

Confirmation and First Holy Communion
As all sacramental programs are parish-based, it is normally the case that Sacraments are received in the parish where you live or the parish where you worship and are involved. These programs are also family-based, so both parents and children are involved in the preparation.

In the program there are parent education and formation segments. As well, there are combined classes with the parents and children conducted by parish facilitators. Also, there is preparation that should be conducted at home.
These programs are generally held in the first half of the year and are open to children in Year 3 and above at school. The dates of these programs are published in the parish bulletin or you mat contact the Parish Office.

To be prepared for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion a person must have received the Sacrament of Baptism and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Marriage
It is the policy of this parish that marriages need to be booked at least six months in advance. It is the official policy of the Catholic Church that couples intending to celebrate their marriage in this community participate in formal Pre-marriage Education.
(There is a common marriage policy for the Catholic Church in Australia which was published in May 2001.)

While marriages need to be booked at least six months in advance, it is recommended that 12 months would be more appropriate. It is important to talk to the Parish representative before making a booking with a reception centre. This is to ensure that it is possible for the wedding to take place on the preferred date. Marriage preparation plays an important part in the development of a relationship; all marriage preparation is designed to help the couple in their relationship.

All Catholics intending to get married need to obtain a recent copy of their Baptism Certificate. If one of the parties is not a Catholic but is baptised, that person will need to obtain a copy of a certificate of their Baptism.

As well, Catholic parties to a marriage will need a copy of their Confirmation Certificate.
In regard to Marriage, both parties to the marriage will require a full copy of their Birth Certificates.

It is recommended that people looking to get married first consider celebrating their marriage in the home parish of one of them.

Before a booking for a marriage can be finalised, the couple will need to fill out a Prenuptial Inquiry form to ensure that both parties are free to be married.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
If any parishioner is suffering from a serious illness, the Parish Office should be contacted as soon as possible so that a priest might visit the person who is sick and administer the Sacraments.

The Sacrament of the Sick is not just for those who are at the point of death. It is for those who are experiencing a serious illness, for those facing serious surgery and for those who are suffering the infirmity of old age.

When we do know of someone who is seriously sick or housebound, it is important to notify the Parish Office so that Holy Communion may be taken to them regularly. As well, it is important that these people have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Funerals
It is important that the Parish Office be contacted before death, if possible, so that the Sacraments may be administered.

Since the parish wishes to be as supportive as possible to a family who has lost a loved one, it would be appreciated if you could contact the Parish Office as soon as possible.
Usually, arrangements for funerals are negotiated between the family, the parish and the funeral directors.

Our parish of St Andrews would like to be as supportive as possible to those who have lost a loved one through death. Consequently, on an occasional basis, we conduct courses for helping people to understand grief and what they are going through with the loss of a loved one. As well, if you find yourself needing support at this time, please contact the Parish Office to get in touch with one of the priests or with the Bereavement Support Group.