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Celebrating Sacraments in Nowra Parish

• Baptism
• Reconciliation - Confession
• Eucharist - Holy Communion
• Confirmation
• Marriage
• Anointing of the Sick

Baptism

Baptisms are celebrated in St Michael's Church, Nowra on almost every Sunday of the year, at 10.45am (after the 9.30am Mass). Baptisms can also be celebrated in the other churches of the parish. Please contact the parish office in the first instance to arrange all baptisms. Four (4) weeks notice and a meeting with one of the parish staff is required.

• Preparation for Baptism in Nowra Parish
• Order of Service (Rite of Baptism)
• Suggested Scripture Readings
• Rite of Baptism - 2 page Card
• Application form for Baptism
• Special Baptismal Candles - Jamberoo Abbey

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession, or Penance, is celebrated regularly throughout the parish. To find the times of the nearest first rite celebration, please click here: Penance. Additionally, the communal celebration of the sacrament (second rite) is celebrated before Easter and Christmas.

Reception and preparation: The minimum age for this sacrament is a child in Year Three. Children who were not baptised in St Michael's Parish require a Baptism Certificate. The sacrament is received in November each year, with enrollment in September. Attendance at preparation classes is compulsory. There is a parent information night that at least one parent is required to attend in late August. See Parish Calendar.

Eucharist - Holy Communion

Reception and preparation: The minimum age for this sacrament is a child in Year Four. The sacrament of Reconciliation is usually received before receiving Eucharist. The sacrament is received around the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (Body and Blood of Christ) in May/June each year, with enrollment at Easter. Attendance at preparation classes is compulsory. There is a parent information night that at least one parent is required to attend. There is also a prayer evening at St Michael's for children and parents. The Sacrament is celebrated in each Mass centre (Church).

Confirmation

Reception and preparation: The minimum age for this sacrament is a child in Year Six. Children should have received both Reconciliation and Eucharist. Attendance at preparation classes is compulsory. There is a parent information night that at least one parent is required to attend. There is also a prayer evening at St Michael's for children and parents. The Sacrament is celebrated in Nowra (Parish Hall).

Marriage

Please contact the Parish Office. Six months notice required. Preparation courses will be recommended based on your particular life circumstances.

• Marriage booklet (Word format)
• Marriage booklet (Publisher format)

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated regularly in the various hospitals (Shoalhaven Public, Nowra Private [Community], and David Berry) and nursing homes in the parish, as well as in private homes. Please contact the Parish Office to let us know when someone is sick, so that one of the priests can organise to visit the person. Please remember that sacraments are for the living, not the dead - if a person's health fails, please contact the Parish Office - day or night.