Sacraments & Worship

Baptism is a joyful and sacred celebration marking the beginning of a person's faith journey. It is a special moment where we welcome a new member into our faith community, reflecting on the significance of our own beliefs. Baptisms at our parish are typically celebrated during Sunday Masses, including the Saturday Vigil. In special circumstances, baptisms may be arranged outside of Mass. To preserve the significance of the ceremony, we prefer to have only one baptism per Mass. Our baptism program includes a preparation session for parents with the priest, completion of the necessary forms, and baptism ceremony during one of our weekend Masses. You can download the baptism forms here. For more details or to arrange baptism please contact the parish office.

First Holy Communion is a special and sacred moment in a child's faith journey, where they receive the Body of Christ for the first time. It is a joyful celebration of growing in faith and becoming more deeply united with Jesus and the Church. Through preparation, prayer, and learning, children come to understand the significance of the Eucharist and the love of God in their lives. Children must have already been baptised and received their First reconciliation. A copy of the baptism certificate must be provided with the enrolment form. Children attending Holy Cross Primary school can enrol through the School when enrolment opens. Those not attending Holy Cross School must participate in preparation classes organised by the parish. These classes will be held on four consecutive Saturdays before the Vigil Mass at the Parish Community Centre, led by our sacramental coordinator Shirley Bond. Attendance at these classes is mandatory for both the children and an accompanying parent. This year, the Sacrament of First Holy Communion is celebrated on Sunday, 24th August.

Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of Initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist. It is the sacrament in which a baptised person receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthening their faith and commitment to the Church. It deepens the grace received at Baptism and empowers the individual to live as a witness to Christ. In our parish, Confirmation is celebrated every alternate year for children in Year 5 or older. Children must have already been baptised and have received their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. A copy of all sacramental certificates must be provided with the enrolment form if these sacraments were not completed in Holy Cross, Woollahra. Children attending Holy Cross Primary school can enrol through the School when enrolment opens. Those not attending Holy Cross School must participate in preparation classes organised by the parish. These classes will be held on four consecutive Saturdays before the Vigil Mass at the Parish Community Centre, led by our sacramental coordinator Shirley Bond. Attendance at these classes is mandatory for both the children and an accompanying parent. The Sacrament of Confirmation requires the candidate to choose a person to be their sponsor. This person cannot be their parent, must be at least 16 years of age and a confirmed Catholic who is a witness to the faith. This Year, Confirmation is celebrated on Tuesday, June 10 at 6pm by Bishop Richard Umbers.