Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist (First Communion) are the three Sacramental moments by which a person is initiated into the spiritual life of the whole Parish and Church community (see videos below). The correct order of celebration is Baptism, Confirmation and then Eucharist. The moments of initiation differ for infants/children, children who have reached a significant age of awareness and self-understanding, and for adults. Baptism is available by appointment. Usually a parental preparation meeting with the Priest is required before the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism. Confirmation and Eucharist usually, but not always, will require enrolment in the Parish Sacramental Program (see below or click here). If you or your child wish to participate in these Sacraments for the first time, please contact the Parish Sacramental Coordinator by email.
First Penance (First Reconciliation/Confession) may be celebrated at any time but, in the current Parish Sacramental Program, Penance will be included in the Parish’s Sacramental Program (See below or click here).
Penance (Reconciliation / Confession) is available by appointment with the parish priest, or at St Monica's Cathedral - Saturdays 11.30am-12.30pm
Please contact the parish priest six (6) months in advance of planned wedding date. Contact details
The Anointing of the Sick is not reserved solely to those who are seriously ill or close to death. It is important to celebrate the sacrament regularly if you face the challenge of age, physical and mental ill-health or other significant conditions. If you wish to celebrate this Sacrament, please contact either, the Parish Secretary (Contact details) or the Priest on Duty for a Medical Emergency (Mobile: 049622392)
Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist (First Communion) are the three Sacramental moments by which a person is initiated into our Catholic community. The correct order of celebration is Baptism, Confirmation and then Eucharist. First Penance (First Reconciliation/Confession) may be celebrated at any time but in the current Parish Sacramental Program, Penance will be included in the Parish’s Sacramental Program.
These sacraments are celebrated with and by the worshipping community of the Parish. Through the Religious Education Curriculum, the school assists in the Faith Education of the children, but it is not the school community that celebrates Christian Initiation. It is the Parish Community, of which the school is a part, that welcomes the children into the Catholic community through these Sacraments. The Parish Priest, the Parish community and the child's parents, have the responsibility of discerning when the child is ready for the next step in their Sacramental Initiation process. It is also the Parish Priest, the Parish community and the child's parents, who have the responsibility of preparing the child for the celebration of these Sacraments through prayer, attending all parent meetings, participating in the life of the parish by attending liturgies and special celebrations, and by assisting the child to complete the workbooks.
Children who have been baptised in the Roman Catholic Church, who have not already been Confirmed, have not made their First Eucharist and who are in Year (Grade) 4 or above of their schooling are eligible to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. The children are also eligible to receive the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation / Confession) at this time. Some children may have already celebrated the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) for the first time and so will not need to prepare for this Sacrament again.
If you wish to enrol your child in the Parish Sacramental Program please send an expression of interest by email to: sacraments.ncparish@cairns.catholic.org.au
Please remember that by enrolling your child, you are expressing the desire that your child celebrates the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Eucharist and Penance, and in doing so, will become a fully initiated member of God’s Family.
As Baptism is a prerequisite for the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation, Eucharist and Penance, a copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate will need to be provided to the Parish Office upon enrolment. This may be done by:-
either: emailing a scanned copy to: sacraments.ncparish@cairns.catholic.org.au
or: by posting a copy to PO Box 625, Cairns, Qld 4870
Parents of children who were baptised in Mother of Good Counsel Church are not required to provide this certificate as a record of the child’s baptism is already held in the Parish Office.
Enrolments need to be completed by 6 December (last day of Term 4).
The 2025 program will commence on Saturday, 1 March, 4.15pm (before Vigil Mass): Introduction, Reconciliation Session 1