nowraparish.org.au

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 may 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. The Sacrament of Baptism is sometimes also called 'Christening'.

• At least one Godparent/Sponsor must be a confirmed Catholic, over 16 years.
• It is usual to make an offering / donation to the priest or deacon after the celebration of the baptism. There is no set fee.

• We understand that Baptism is the Sacrament which gives new life in Christ to our child, and makes him/her a member of God’s family, the Church. We are aware of the obligations attached to having our child baptised.
• We accept the responsibility and duty of training our child in the life and practice of the Catholic faith, to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and neighbour through word and example.
• We profess our faith in God the Father, in Jesus Christ his Son, and in the holy Spirit.

• Baptism Application eForm (244)
• Baptism Application Paper Form (745)
• Baptism Preparation (975)
• Rite of Baptism (1280)
• Rite of Baptism - one child (2205)
• Scripture Texts for Baptisms (708)

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 Events page for more information.

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). For dates see the events page.

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). Ideally the Sponsor chosen by the candidate would be one of the Sponsors/Godparents from Baptism. Parents present their children for Confirmation - they do not act as the Sponsor. For dates see the events page.

Marriage

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

• Marriage Information form (Please complete this form and bring it with you to your first meeting.)
• Marriage worksheet for Bride & Groom - A worksheet that will help you to think a little more deeply about the Christian nature of marriage and your role and that of your spouse. It is suggested that a copy of this document is kept with the marriage papers so that there is a written record of your thoughts about marriage before the wedding.
• Marriage booklet (Microsoft Word and Publisher format)
• Celebrating Marriage in the Diocese of Wollongong - Background information - intended for clergy - which contains helpful information for couples as they prepare for marriage and might help to explain some of the things that will be discussed during your marriage preparations.

• Celebrating Marriage in the Wollongong Diocese (618)
• Marriage Booklet (Publisher format) (619)
• Marriage Booklet (Word document) (967)
• Marriage Information form (623)
• Marriage Liturgy Texts (148)
• Marriage Worksheet - Bride (599)
• Marriage Worksheet - Groom (566)
• Readings for the Wedding Ceremony (520)
• Scripture Readings for Marriage (168)

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.

Funeral Liturgy and Requiem Mass

In preparing a funeral liturgy (either at one of our Churches, or a graveside or Crematorium Chapel service) or a Requiem Mass, the following documents may be helpful to you.

• Funeral - Suggested Readings (501)
• Funeral Liturgy - additional texts (479)
• Funeral Liturgy - Outside Mass (511)
• Guidelines for Words of Remembrance (104)
• Order of Christian Funerals - Introduction (501)
• Prayers for the Dying (109)