First Reconciliation & Communion success

Given that most candidates nominated for both First Reconciliation and First Communion in 2025, the two Sacramental Programs were linked together in an innovative, new process. Preparation for First Reconciliation, including four catechesis sessions, took place during Lent, before the end of first term school holidays. Preparation for First Communion, using a similar format with four catechesis sessions, occurred after the holidays. Inspired by the vi-sion and drive of Pina Bernard, our Parish Sacramental Coordinator, candidates and parents/carers undertook distinct but related schedules through the two sacra-mental preparations. In Loreto Place, the candidates completed the same programs used successfully in re-cent years, under the guidance of volunteer catechists and assistants. Parents/carers participated in an adapted, eight session Alpha process accompanied by the Parish Alpha Team. The rationale was to encourage them to know more about and grow in the Catholic faith so that they might discover its value for them-selves and be better place them to support their chil-dren in their faith. Evaluations have been most encour-aging. We thank Pina for her leadership, Flavio Cuadro and the Alpha Team for their willingness to participate in a new initiative, and those who assisted in many other ways, especially Rodd and Kerry Kenny.