Sacraments
Baptism Preparation | Reconciliation/Communion | Confirmation | Marriage | Holy Orders | Anointing the Sick | Adult Initiation | Funerals
A Life Long Journey
In our parish community of Our Lady of the Way, we seek to accompany one another through every stage of life. This includes the celebration of many family milestones, such as marriage or the arrival of a new baby, starting or graduating from school, through changes that come as families grow to maturity, or unexpected change caused by ill-health, loss or shifts in economic fortunes.
Our community is strengthened as we celebrate Christ together in the sacraments of the Church. They sustain and embolden us in our life's journey in faith. In our public worship (liturgy) we celebrate the diversity of our community.
Apart from the Sacrament of the Eucharist celebrated at each Mass, we celebrate all the other Sacraments of the Church. These include Baptism (infants, school-aged children, adults), First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and the Anointing of the Sick.
AS CATHOLICS WE BELIEVE THAT OUR LIVES ARE GRACED BY GOD THROUGH THESE SACRAMENTS.
Baptism
First Reconciliation
First Holy Communion (Eucharist)
Confirmation | Marriage | Holy Orders
Anointing of the Sick
OTHER SIGNIFICANT EVENTS: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults | Funerals
Baptism Preparation
Baptism is the premier sacrament that initiates a person into the Christian life and faith community. We invite you to join the baptismal preparation with other parents with children to be baptised in our parish. When you are coming to the baptism preparation session, we will provide additional information on registering for a baptism ceremony (following a Sunday 9.00 am Mass at St Mary’s in North Sydney or a Sunday 10.30 am Mass at St Francis Xavier in Lavender Bay). With effect, 1st April 2025
BOOK A PREPARATION SESSION HERE
Baptism preparation for parents is essential.
Monthly sessions are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 4 pm, Ron Dyer Centre, 42 Ridge St, North Sydney. For candidates over the age of 7yrs, please contact Claire Loneragan. clairel@northsydneycatholics.com
HOW TO BOOK A BAPTISM
Navigate to the months below , click on the desired month, and when prompted, enter the password (provided to you at the preparation session ) in the designated field before proceeding to select your tickets and complete the booking process.
If neither parent is Roman Catholic, please contact the Parish Office before proceeding with the booking. 02 8918 4101
Cancellation Policy
50% refund within 4 weeks before the baptism.
10% administration fee for all other refunds
Baptism enquiries: Val or Rosemarie olw@northsydneycatholics.com
Reconciliation Communion
Reconciliation/Eucharist
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration of God’s love and mercy. It is the act of restoration of the relationship between a person and God. It involves receiving forgiveness for our confessed wrongs through the ministry of a priest.
As Catholics we believe that the Eucharist is a celebration of Christ’s love for his church; ‘food for life, food for the journey’. It is the memorial of his Last Supper, death and Resurrection where consecrated bread is broken and shared to provide a profound source of union between our God and us. Pope Francis tells us that Holy Communion is “an encounter with Jesus, who is our constant companion in life.”
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Registration opens Mon 10 Feb and must close 24 April 2025.
The program provides an opportunity for the children to develop their relationship with Christ. They will learn about the sacraments, culminating in celebrating Reconciliation and joining the table of the Lord with the parish community in a celebration of the Eucharist.
Information night: Wed 26 Feb or Thurs 6 March @ 6.00pm, St Mary’s Church
Leaders Training: Wed 19 & Tues 25 Mar @ 6:00-8:00pm, Ron Dyer Centre.
The Reconciliation/Communion Program depends on parent leaders of small groups of no more than 10 children. These leaders are trained and provided with all the resources necessary for a successful and rewarding experience for all participants. If you would like to help, to lead a group, or share the leadership, please contact Claire Loneragan.
1st Reconciliation: Wed 21 & Thurs 22 May @ 6:00pm, St Mary's Church.
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Holy Communion Masses
Sat 14 June @ 5.30pm, St. Francis Xavier Church. www.trybooking.com/CXPPM
Sun 15 June @ 9.00am & 6.00pm, St Mary’s Church. www.trybooking.com/CXPQO
For more information, contact:
Claire Loneragan: clairel@northsydneycatholics.com;
Helen Maguire IBVM, helenm@northsydneycatholics.com
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the continuation along the sacramental path begun at Baptism. It is a personal confirming of the commitment and responsibilities made by parents and godparents. It deepens the relationship between Christ and a baptized Christian, enriching them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
2025 Confirmation dates
will be released in Term 2.
Marriage Weddings
Marriage is a covenant between husband and wife in which they invite God as a witness and partner. A wedding is a celebration, which establishes this three-way bond.
Weddings are celebrated at St Mary's Church, 264 Miller St, North Sydney.
Wedding Enquiries
olw@northsydneycatholics.com
Ph 02 8918 4101
Wedding Preparation
Please contact Clare Koch to make an appointment. 0417 226 680.
Contact our Music Minister: Alastair Wright alastairw@northsydneycatholics.com or Parish Wedding Musician: Tom Jenkins thom.p.jenkins@gmail.com
Guidelines for booking a wedding:
Before booking a wedding, you, the couple, must:
Arrange a Catholic priest to assist you in preparing for your marriage, planning the wedding ceremony, and completing the necessary paperwork. If you cannot find a priest, you can contact the parish office about priest availability. A minimum of 5 months advance notice if you request a priest from the parish.
Inform the parish secretary if either of you have been previously married or a member of the Eastern Catholic Churches (Melkite, Maronite, Ukrainian etc.) or Orthodox Christian Churches
All weddings are to be booked online, unless private arrangements have been made with our Parish priests. Please begin by clicking the month in which you wish to reserve your wedding date. To check availability for your desired date, click the month, then "Continue Booking".
2025
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Vocations
Since 1878, Jesuits have been faithfully serving this parish, tending the spiritual needs of the people of this area and far beyond. This has only been possible because young men have offered themselves in dedication to the mission of Christ to serve as priests and brothers in the Society of Jesus. The needs of our parish continue today, as do the many needs of Australian society and of our vast, troubled world. All of us are called, by virtue of our baptism, to be part of Christ’s body, continuing to live his mission in the world. And within our shared mission, each is called to a particular way of loving and serving in all things. What is your particular vocation in life? Might it be as a Jesuit, continuing the long history of Jesuit service, available to serve wherever the need is greatest?
Contact: Fr Robin Koning SJ rkoning@sjasl.org.au
JESUIT FATHERS
Andy Wong; Nico Lariosa & Robert Morris
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick will be administered on the last Thursday of the month at the 12.00 pm Mass, St Mary’s Church. and James Milson Village, Tower Building (Cnr High St & Clark Rd, Nth Sydney) - Last Wednesday of the month: 1.30pm
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is also available in cases of emergency by phoning (02) 8918 4101. If you would like to receive the Eucharist in your home please contact: Peter Walden 0448-474 629
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is an extension of Jesus' healing of the sick and is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness. This sacrament is given to those who face serious illnesses of any kind: physical, mental, psychological, etc. It may be received by anyone who anticipates major surgery or who has reached an advanced age.
Home Visits
To organise a home visit, please call Val or Rosemarie at the Parish Office.
PH: 8918 4101.
Adult Initiation
CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
The church recognises the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as a process of preparation where a person enters an inquiry and learning phase. At the Parish of Our Lady of the Way we welcome inquiries and provide assistance through weekly sessions at a pace and convenience to meet the need of each individual.
This rite of Christian initiation is also intended for children, not baptised as infants. This applies to children who have attained the minimum age of reason, usually around the age of seven or eight.
ARE YOU INQUIRING OR INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CATHOLIC?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) applies equally to those baptised in another Christian tradition wishing to become a Catholic, as well as to those not yet baptised.
At the Parish of Our Lady of the Way we have experienced people who can assist you with this process in a way that meets your needs. As each person's circumstances and knowledge background are different, the preparation is tailored to suit your needs. One-hour weekly sessions are usually required, to provide the individual with a familiarity and understanding of the Roman Catholic faith and tradition.
WHAT IS RCIA
The aim of the RCIA is to assist people from all backgrounds better understand the beliefs, practices and Sacraments of the Roman Catholic faith.
The RCIA sessions are a mix of prayer, faith sharing, scripture reading with discussion, instruction and dialogue.
This journey of faith equips each individual with sufficient knowledge and preparation in order to commit to full communion with the Catholic Church.
WHAT IF I DECIDE NOT TO CONTINUE?
There is no obligation to complete the RCIA sessions, you may withdraw at any time.
WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP?
Contact the Parish Office: 8918 4101 to organise an initial meeting.
Funerals
THE CHRISTIAN WHO DIES IN CHRIST FULFILLS THE NEW LIFE WHICH BEGAN AT BAPTISM.
The meaning of the death of a Christian becomes clear in the light of the death and Resurrection of Christ as our only hope. The Christian who dies in Christ Jesus goes “away from the body to be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Our Lady of the Way seeks to provide spiritual support for the members of the deceased by honouring the lives of their loved ones.
The Parish of Our lady of the Way hosts funerals at St Mary's and St Francis Xavier.
WHEN ORGANISING A FUNERAL THE FIRST STEP IS TO CONTACT THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR. THEY WILL THEN CONTACT THE CHURCH, ARRANGING EVERYTHING.
Our preferred Funeral Directors are: Available 24hrs/7 days
Gregory & Carr Funeral Directors 1800 266 588
Maurer Family Funerals 9413 1377 maurerfunerals.com.au
CHURCH FEES: $700.00
PRIEST’S SACRAMENTAL SERVICE FEE: $450
Funeral Directors can make the payment here: https://www.trybooking.com/BHYAD
For families contributing to Parish Planned Giving Program, the church fee is $450.00.
Click here for a helpful booklet that may assist those preparing a requiem ceremony.