Holy Communion, or Eucharist, is the last Sacrament of Initiation and takes place following the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The first time you receive Eucharist completes your initiation into the Church. The Eucharist takes place in the Mass and is sometimes called the “source and summit” of the life of a Catholic. Unlike many other sacraments, Holy Communion is not celebrated once. Each week, Catholics go to Mass to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, the ritual in which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. We who celebrate are also transformed, becoming Christ’s presence to others, and recognising the presence of Christ in others. For Catholics, the Eucharist, or Mass, is the most powerful way to encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ.

Surfers Paradise Parish offers a parish-based Children’s Sacramental Program that begins with Confirmation followed by First Holy Communion. Children who have been baptised and confirmed, and are in Year 4 or greater would usually continue the program with preparation for First Holy Communion. This part of the program takes approximately five weeks, starting in the middle of Semester One of the second year of enrolment in our program.

Parents of children who enrolled in the Surfers Paradise Parish Sacramental Program the previous year will be emailed six weeks prior to the commencement of the First Communion segment of the program. This email will clarify requirements and arrangements for the First Communion Preparation segment and the subsequent Celebration of the Sacrament of Eucharist.

With the guidance and support of the Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team, parents are required to assist their child through the discussions, prayer and associated learning tasks provided. No re-enrolment or further payment is expected as payment of an administrative offering of $150 was received at the start of the program (previous year). Please note that the church does not charge for sacraments - but that prior suggested amount is for practical administrative costs and resources given to the children. 

Children and families who are new to the parish and are wishing to join our sacramental program at this point are invited to complete the steps above. Once the completed form has been submitted and received these families will be included in all email correspondence relating to the appropriate sacrament and partial costing will be provided. 

Our Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team strives to understand and work to respond to the needs of each family and, where necessary; the needs of individuals within families. If you wish to discuss your particular circumstances or you have questions about any of the sacraments through which God can communicate his abundant grace and love, please email our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au to start the conversation.

Sacramental information is often included in our Surfers Paradise Parish Newsletter so please click here and subscribe to our e-newsletter.

Note: for adults 17 years and older, please refer to Becoming Catholic, our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) here.