St. Michael’s Primary School, Tallangatta

Courage, Compassion, Community

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Further information regarding the Sacramental Program can be obtained by contacting either the St. Michael's Primary School Catholic Identity Leader or the Parish Priest of St. Michael's Tallangatta Parish.

Reconciliation

Students are to receive reconciliation prior to first Eucharist, generally from Grade Three. The sacrament of penance, known as reconciliation, is not a sacrament of initiation. Reconciliation is a sacrament for the fully initiated as a means of forgiveness after Baptism and for continual conversion. The second form of the rite of reconciliation best meets the needs and abilities of young children. Its liturgy emphasises the communal dimension of forgiveness and the generous mercy of God. Consequently the period of preparation need only be a few weeks and the interval prior to Confirmation-Eucharist need only be a few months.

Confirmation & Eucharist

So that the close connection between the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist is maintained, two sacraments will normally be administered in the one celebration. Thus Confirmation would more clearly show that it leads towards the Eucharist. When children are ready to receive the Eucharist for the first time, they will be confirmed in the same Mass of their first Communion. So that students have sufficient ability to appreciate the Eucharist, reception is delayed to approximately Grade Four, when children have a love and yearning for the Eucharist.

Initiation sacraments for children are not sacraments of commitment but rather sacraments of beginning and belonging. Each child approaches these sacraments according to their ability and with the hope of growing in faith, commitment and wisdom in the years ahead. They signify a beginning in the live of the Church; a beginning in the formal process of catechesis and participation in the liturgy; and a beginning of an understanding of the gifts the Holy Spirit.