The sacraments mark the defining moments of a Catholic’s life – from birth to death, they are the means by which God’s grace is made present and real. At St Margaret Mary’s Parish, we are here to walk with you through each of them, offering guidance, preparation, and a warm welcome at every stage of your journey in faith. Explore the sacraments below, or contact our parish office to find out more.
Baptism
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them…” — Matthew 28:19
Baptism is the beginning of your child’s journey into the Catholic faith – the first step in a process of Christian Initiation that unfolds over many years. It is followed by First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, each celebrated in turn as your child grows and comes to own their faith for themselves.
Baptism is not a private family occasion but a celebration of the whole Church. In receiving your child, the parish community takes on the responsibility of nurturing their relationship with God and supporting them as they grow into full membership of the Body of Christ.
Baptisms are held on 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month after 10:30am Mass (not during Advent, Month of January, Lent, Divine Mercy Sunday & Corpus Christi Sunday).
Baptism Preparation: 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month – 10:30am Mass followed by session.
Kindly contact Mr Peter Carroll on 0414 070 082 and he will guide you with the required formalities for the preparation of Baptism.
Kindly provide a permission letter from your Parish where you are currently residing for your child to be Baptised outside the catchment area (if not a Parishioner of St. Margaret Mary’s Parish Merrylands) along with the Birth Certificate of the child and Baptism & Confirmation certificates of Godparents. Please ensure that all documentation is provided prior to the Baptism preparation session.
Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is where Catholics confess sins to a priest, express sincere contrition, and receive God’s forgiveness and absolution. It restores one’s relationship with God and the Church, offering spiritual healing and strength. The process involves examining one’s conscience, confessing sins, performing assigned penance, and resolving to amend one’s life. Catholics are required to confess serious sins at least once a year, though frequent confession is encouraged for spiritual growth.
Reconciliation is celebrated Tuesday to Saturday at 8:30am, and Saturday afternoon from 4:30–6:00pm before the Vigil Mass, with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament also held during this time. It is also available by appointment.
For information on First Reconciliation for children in Grade 3 and above, visit our Sacramental Program page.
Eucharist (Communion)
For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life – a sacred encounter with Jesus Christ, truly present in the consecrated bread and wine. During Mass, the priest consecrates these elements into the Body and Blood of Christ, and the congregation shares in the sacred meal as a memorial of His Last Supper and sacrifice on the cross.
A child’s First Holy Communion is usually celebrated around age seven or eight, preceded by their first confession. For information on First Holy Communion for children in Grade 3 and above, visit our Sacramental Program page.
Trained lay ministers can also bring the Eucharist to those who are ill or homebound, ensuring all Catholics can participate.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament through which the gifts of the Holy Spirit, received at Baptism, are deepened and strengthened.Confirmation is the sacrament through which the gifts of the Holy Spirit, received at Baptism, are deepened and strengthened. Through anointing with sacred Chrism oil and the laying on of hands by the Bishop, the confirmed are sealed with the Holy Spirit and more fully incorporated into the life of the Church. Confirmation completes the sacraments of initiation and equips Catholics to live and share their faith with courage and conviction.
In the Diocese of Parramatta, Confirmation is typically celebrated in Year 6. Preparation involves formation in the faith through school and parish, and candidates are encouraged to engage actively in the life of their parish community.
For information on the Sacrament of Confirmation for children in Grade 6 and above, visit our Sacramental Program page.
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process with a fourfold purpose:
- For the unbaptised, the process provides the spiritual background and support to become a fully initiated Roman Catholic.
- For those baptised in another Faith, the process provides a new environment for conversion.
- For those baptised as Catholics, who have not received First Eucharist or Confirmation, the process prepares them to become active members of the parish community.
- For those interested Catholics who wish to deepen their faith.
The process typically involves a weekly gathering of candidates alongside a team of parish guides and a personal sponsor – a fellow parishioner who walks alongside the candidate, offering practical and spiritual support and helping to introduce them to the life of the parish. Together, candidates explore the foundations of Catholic faith: the Mass, the sacraments, Scripture, prayer, the life of Christ, and the call to community service.
If you are interested (or simply curious), or know of anyone who might like to become a part of the RCIA, please contact the Parish Office.
Marriage
Christian Marriage is a lifelong covenant of love between two baptised persons — a true partnership of life, recognised, celebrated, and elevated by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament.
In this sacrament, married couples signify and participate in the unbreakable bond between Christ and His Church. They are called to support one another in holiness, to be open to the gift of children, and to raise their family in faith. Their free and irrevocable consent establishes a bond that is by its nature exclusive, faithful, and indissoluble.
Planning your wedding
If you are considering celebrating your marriage here, we warmly invite you to get in touch. To arrange an initial meeting with a priest, please have the following documents ready:
- Birth Certificate
- Baptism Certificates (issued within the last 6 months)
- Confirmation Certificates
- Passports & Driver’s licence
- Pre-marriage course certificate
Please note that Weddings are not celebrated in our parish during Advent, Lent, Divine Mercy Sunday, Corpus Christi Sunday & All Souls Day).
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Anointing is the Church’s prayer for healing and comfort for those who are ill. It can be celebrated by arrangement with the Parish Priest through the Parish Office.
An annual Mass of Anointing is celebrated in our churches. Those who are frail or ill have the opportunity to attend this Mass together and receive the Sacrament of Anointing. The parish provides transport to the Mass.
For further details and assistance, please contact the Parish Office.
For urgent sick calls, please contact the Parish Office on 9637 2526 – option 3 – any time.
Funerals
The death of a loved one is an especially sensitive time for families and friends.
The Parish works with the family and the Funeral Director in planning the details of the funeral. It is important to allow sufficient time before the Funeral for making all the necessary decisions.
The Rite of Christian Funerals allows great involvement for the family in choosing appropriate readings from Sacred Scripture and the various prayers and hymns used for the celebration of a funeral as well as various types of involvement by family and friends in the celebration itself.
Your funeral director will normally make contact with the Parish on your behalf to determine the date and time of the funeral.
The Parish will work with you in planning the details of the Funeral itself.
For further details and assistance, please contact the Parish Office.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained as bishops, priests, or deacons, configured to Christ and set apart for sacred ministry in the Church. Through the laying on of hands and a prayer of consecration by a bishop, the ordained are empowered to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and shepherd the faithful.
If you feel called to the priesthood or diaconate, visit the Diocese of Parramatta’s Vocations page to learn more about discernment and formation pathways.
If you feel a special calling to the Order of Saint Paul, contact our Parish Priest or Assistant Priest via the Parish Office.
