On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, Jesus showed himself to the apostles. He breathed on them and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven: if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (Jn 20:19,22-23)

The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance or reconciliation. It is also known as one of the Sacraments of Healing, the other being the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Weekly Reconciliation

Weekly Reconciliation occurs Saturday 4.30pm to 4.55pm.

For any other times, please contact the parish office.

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation

In accordance with Canon law 914, “children who have reached the use of reason are to have made sacramental confession before the sacrament of First Holy Communion. Therefore, catechesis on Reconciliation must precede the catechesis for Holy Communion.” (Preparing Children for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, 2011 pg 15) As such, the Holy Innocents’ Parish based program is available to children in Year 3 and above (please note this recent change to Year 3). Baptism is a prerequisite for Reconciliation.

The Parish Based Sacramental Program at Holy Innocents’

Children from a variety of schools come together to learn and celebrate as a united Parish community. We follow the Sydney Archdiocese preparation program. Children and at least one parent must attend group preparation sessions. In these sessions, the children, with the support of their parents will be given thorough catechesis on the meaning of sacrament. Content is reinforced by the teachers and catechists in our schools. The children must also attend a commitment Mass and a reflection afternoon.

First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion 2023: 

In 2023 we are running a combine program the Sacrament of First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion.

This program is ONLY for year 3 students and above. If your child is currently in year 2, please refer back to this page in 2024 for relevant information.

Enrolments Are Now Opened:

Enrolment is to be completed online. Before enrolling, please ensure you have read and understand the Parent Information Letter.

If you do not have a copy of the letter please >>>Click Here<<<

We will be accepting enrolments from the Weds 22^nd Feb to Sun 12^th Mar.

Enrolling in this sacrament is a THREE STAGE process:

STAGE 1: Payment

All payments need to be made online. The fee is $100
To make your payment online, please follow these steps. Please make this payment prior to completing the online enrolment form as you will be asked for your receipt number.

1. Click on “Support us” at the top of this page.
2. Click on “Donate”
3. Select “1001984 – Sacramental Programs” from drop down box.
4. Fill in the remaining required details, then select your card type.
5. Follow the instructions on screen to complete your payment.
6. Make note of your receipt number. This needs to be inserted on the enrolment form.

STAGE 2: Complete online enrolment form

Once you have completed stage 1, you must complete an enrolment form each child you have participating in the sacrament.

To complete an enrolment form >>>Click Here<<<

STAGE 3: Submit Your Certificate

We require a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate as part of their registration.

If your child was baptised at Holy Innocents’ and you do not have a copy, please inform Suzanne Miceli not the Parish office. If baptised in another parish, you will need to contact them for a copy of the certificate. This certificate should be submitted to Suzanne prior to the sacrament. Enrolment is not complete until the certificate has been submitted. This may be emailed to [email protected] or given to Suzanne.

First Reconciliation 2023 Dates

• Children who have not been Baptised will complete the program but not receive the sacrament until later in the year.
• They will be baptised on Sat 15^th November and make their First Holy Communion on 26^th

First Reconciliation for Adults

Adults, who wish to receive this sacrament, please contact the parish office for details.