The Sacrament Preparation Program at Nazareth Catholic Parish is a parish-based program that helps children learn about and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. It is specifically for children who do not attend one of our four Catholic primary schools, providing them with the faith formation, guidance, and support they need to fully participate in these important milestones.
Sacraments for 2026
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance) is the Catholic sacrament through which people receive God’s forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism and are reconciled with Him and the Church. In this sacrament, a person examines their conscience, expresses sorrow for their sins, confesses them to a priest, and receives absolution and a penance. Reconciliation brings spiritual healing, restores grace, and strengthens the person to live a faithful Christian life.
Reconciliation preparation sessions
Tuesday 3rd March
Tuesday 10th March
Tuesday 17th March
Tuesday 24th March
All of these sessions are held at St Therese Church, Torquay at 4.30pm.
Reconcilaition celebration
Tuesday 31st March
4.30pm at St Therese Church, Torquay
First Holy Eucharist
The Sacrament of First Eucharist (or First Holy Communion) is when a Catholic child receives the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time, fully participating in the heart of the Mass. This sacrament nourishes the soul, strengthens the child’s relationship with Jesus, and unites them more deeply with the Church community. Typically, children prepare through prayer, learning about the Mass, and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation so they are spiritually ready to meet Christ in the Eucharist.
First Eucharist preparation session
Tuesday 12th May
Tuesday 19th May
Tuesday 26th May
Tuesday 2nd June
Tuesday 9th June
Tuesday 16th June
All these sessions are held at St Therese Church, Torquay at 4.30pm.
Family evening
Wednesday 13th May
6pm at St Therese Church, Torquay
Rite of Enroment Mass
Weekend of 16th & 17th May at all of our weekend Mass times.
First Eucharist celebration
Sunday 21st June
9am at St Therese Church, Torquay
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, completing a person’s initiation into the faith. Through this sacrament, a baptised Catholic is sealed with the Holy Spirit, strengthened in their faith, and empowered to live as a witness of Christ in the world. During the rite, the bishop (or priest) lays hands on the candidate and anoints their forehead with chrism oil, saying, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Confirmation deepens the gifts first received at Baptism, strengthens the bond with the Church, and equips the person with the courage, wisdom, and love needed to live out their faith fully.
Family evening
Wednesday 22nd July
6pm at St Therese Church, Torquay
Rite of Enroment Mass
Weekend of 25th & 26th July at all of our weekend Mass times.
Confirmation retreat day
Saturday 8th August
10am – 3pm – further details TBC
Confirmation celebration
Saturday 15th August
4pm at St Therese Church, Torquay
Sacrament Preparation Program Fee
Each family is asked to pay a Sacramental Preparation Program fee. This goes towards the ongoing support of the Sacrament program including but not limited to administration, resources, cleaning and priests stipend, $165 per child.
Payment is required prior to the the family formation evening.
Nazareth Parish
BSB: 083 347
Acc: 65387 6245
Ref: Sacrament & family surname