Sacraments of Initiation for Children and Infants Policy
The Policy for the Initiation of Children into the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Adelaide (1999) informs local parish policy for the initiation of children.
Parents are encouraged to be fully involved in the processes of discerning readiness and preparation of their children. The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) is encouraged during Lent prior to the celebration of the sacraments of confirmation and first Eucharist during the Easter season.
Copies of "The Policy for the Initiation of Children into the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Adelaide" (1999) may be obtained from the Office of Worship please phone 8210 8130 or send an email.
Sacraments of Initiation for Children and Infants
in the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Adelaide
Archbishop Philip Wilson:
...In faithfully implementing the teachings and spirit of the Vatican Council, the Archdiocese of Adelaide some years ago developed a policy for the initiation of children. Over the past three years this has been carefully revised and now includes a section specifically dedicated to the baptism of infants and another that considers the celebration of sacraments with children who have intellectual disabilities. The Council of Priests has approved the work carried out by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, the Office for Worship and the Office for Family and Parish Based Catechesis, and recommends that I accept this policy.
The journey to full initiation in the Catholic Church usually begins with infant baptism. The parish community and the family work together to prepare for this celebration and to discover ways in which the new Christian can come to know the love of God, most especially in the person of Jesus...
The Sacraments of Initiation for Children and Infants in the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Adelaide was launched on September 11, 2014.
Sacraments of Initiation for children and infants.pdf
Sacraments brochure.pdf
Sacraments of Initiation for Children and Infants Framework
This Pastoral Framework is a guide for those preparing children for the Sacraments of Initiation. It is designed to complement the theological understanding found within the sacraments of Initiation policy 2014.
The Framework, launched in September 2014, provides examples of best practice through different models.
The spirit of the Framework is one of welcoming and hospitality whilst strengthening the partnerships between families, parishes and schools.
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The place in which a child first comes to knowledge of Christ is the family, through the teaching and example of family members. Beyond the family, the local parish and Catholic school (if one is available) assist in the ongoing faith formation of the child. One of the key elements in that formation is the preparation for the SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Whether in the home, the parish or the school, we are all called to holiness, to live our faith with courage and joy and to proclaim the Good News that we are loved beyond measure by God who walks with us throughout our lives.
– Archbishop Philip Wilson
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Partnerships In Sacramental Catechesis LR.pdf
Sacraments brochure.pdf