In our Parish lay people who are involved in many activities formerly seen to be the domain of the clergy. One of these activities is in Sacramental Preparation.

The activity of Catechists in the Parish is a response to Christ's command to spread the Word of God throughout the world.  Catechists are not simply helping the priest in doing this work but are carrying out ministries, which receive direct authority from Christ, himself.

The Catholic Church has been entrusted with seven sacraments which are seven unique actions and prayer, signs and means of celebrating Christ's saving power and love for his people. Three of these sacraments are called Sacraments of Initiation.

Baptism is the beginning of the sacramental life for Christians. Through Baptism they enter the life of Christ and become members of his Church and come to participate in its liturgy, are open to receive the other sacraments and enjoy other activities and rights within the Body of Christ.

Confirmation which originally accompanied Baptism in the one celebration is the second sacrament of initiation. It more fully conforms the Christians in the life of Christ through the gift of the Holy Spirit first received in Baptism. It strengthens them in faith and life of the Church and prepares them for the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the third sacrament of initiation and completes the initiation process. Christians now express the fullness of belonging to the body of Christ, the Church, by receiving the Body of Christ in communion with the whole Church.

It is a long established tradition since the second century that infants from Christian families are baptised shortly after birth. Children from their earliest moments are welcomed into the family of God and grow in faith amid the Church community. By their own faith commitment and awareness of the Gospel call parents choose to bring their children to the sacraments of initiation.

These sacraments gain purpose for children because of the faith expressed by parents. After Initiation the parents in conjunction with the parish take the responsibility to provide for the children's continual formation in the faith.

Children are ready to receive the third sacrament of initiation, the Holy Eucharist, when they have sufficient ability to appreciate the Eucharist and distinguish it from other food.