Baptism
Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation. It is a sacrament of regeneration and initiation into the church founded by Jesus Christ, who accepted baptism from St John the Baptist and also ordered the Apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). The church understands this process to be continued in the sacrament of Confirmation and completed in the Eucharist.
The word “baptism” is derived from the Greek word baptizein meaning “to immerse”.
Originally, for baptism it was not enough to pour a little water on the forehead. The baptisteries of the first century were quite large cisterns, often in the form of a cross. The catechumen went down one side by a series of steps, was immersed in the water, and came out the other side. This helps us to understand better how baptism is both:
- Immersion of death of Hehu Karaiti Jesus Christ and resurrection
- The passing of the Hebrews through the Red Sea under the leadership of Moses
Baptism signifies that as an individual, you are choosing to accept God into your life and begin your relationship with him. We are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. In the Catholic Church we usually baptize children as close to their birth as possible. Adults and older children typically get baptized once they are able to understand the faith and receive the sacrament with full awareness and intention..
Baptism Preparation
Baptism preparation occurs every 3 months at the parish.
We invite all godparents and parents who have plans to have their child(ren) baptized in the near future to attend our compulsory course Saturday 15 August 2026 10.30am-12pm (parish hall). It is important that you fill out a baptism form for registration and to book your date.
Children between the ages of 3 and 15 will need to attend a special course. This is held in consultation with the teacher of the programme and can be arranged through the parish office.
Baptisms are mainly held on Saturdays.
For registration and booking, please email the Parish Office ourladyoflourdes@xtra.co.nz
Confirmation
Confirmation is believed to strengthen and confirm the grace bestowed by the Holy Spirit at baptism.
It recognizes the human spirit of faith, hope and love. It deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighbourhoods, society, and the world.
The Confirmation rite is a relatively simple ceremony that is traditionally performed during the mass by the bishop. The service includes a homily, usually on the meaning of the sacrament, followed by the renewal of the vows of baptism by the confirmands. The bishop then raises his hands over those taking confirmation and prays for the bestowal of the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. He then anoints the forehead of each confirmand with holy oil (chrism) and says “Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”
The recipient of confirmation takes a ‘confirmation name’ – they choose the name of a Saint whose qualities they admire.
Through Confirmation, the baptised person is more perfectly bound to the Church and enriched with the special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285)
Eucharist
The word “Eucharist” is derived from the Greek word eucharistein meaning thanksgiving.
Also known as “Communion” it marks the completion of initiation into the Church. Unlike Baptism and Confirmation, it is normally repeated many times in person’s life. The Eucharist was originally celebrated every Sunday, but by the 4th century, it was celebrated daily.
It is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) where Jesus performed a rite called ‘Last Supper’ by blessing the bread, which he said was his body, and shared it with his disciples. He then shared a cup of wine with his disciples and told them “for this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” According to St Luke, Jesus had called on his followers to repeat the ceremony in his memory, and it is clear that the earliest Christians regularly enacted it.
The Catholic Church teaches that in the Eucharist, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ — a doctrine known as transubstantiation. Christ is truly, really and substantially present in the Eucharist, not merely symbolically.
Sacramental Programme
Do you have a tamariki/child or rangitahi/young person who is ready to receive their first Holy Communion?
The Catholic Church considers children between the ages of 7 and 8 ready to complete their Sacraments of Initiation which began with Baptism. Our parish also welcomes young adults up to the age of 16 in this programme. Anyone over the age of 16 will join the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adult (RCIA).
As whānau you must have proof of their baptism before they can receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
We take enrolments early each year; although you may express interest at any time for the Sacramental Programme. We inform the community of the process for enrolment in the Sacramental Programme through weekend notices in Mass, the parish newsletter and website. The timing of the sessions depends upon the availability of the bishop to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, but usually begins from mid-May until end of July. There are a number of sessions for parents, sponsors (for Confirmation), children and young adults to attend.
Each year we hope for the presence of the Bishop of Auckland for the celebration of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. However, this is not always possible due to his commitments; he will therefore nominate a priest to fulfil this important duty.
For general enquiries, please contact/email the Parish Office:
Ph: 818-6325 (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm)
Email: ourladyoflourdes@xtra.co.nz
Cheryl Sinclair (Coordinator): cheryl.merlyn@gmail.com
Reconciliation
Reconciliation (or ‘Penance’) reflects the practice of restoring sinners to the community of the faithful that was associated with the earliest discipline of the penitential rite. Those who sinned seriously were excluded from Holy Communion until they showed repentance.
Reconciliation is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and obtain pardon from God through the intercession of a priest. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in God’s presence and honestly acknowledge all of our sins (including mortal sins). Being granted absolution, the Catholic Church recognizes this practice as an act of forgiveness – your sin is truly forgiven. You are reconciled with God and restored to full communion with the Church..
Reconciliation is available by appointment. Please contact the Parish Office to arrange a time with one of our priests.
Anointing of the Sick
Long known in English as ‘extreme unction’ or ‘last rites’ this sacrament helps unite those who are suffering with God’s saving and healing power. It reminds us that God wants to give comfort to the suffering and wants us to relieve suffering where we can. Through this sacrament people receive forgiveness for their sins; they are restored in spirit. It is administered by anointing the forehead and hands with holy oil (blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week) followed by a prayer. The priest anoints the seriously ill, the injured or the elderly. For a dying person (terminal illness), the sacrament is preparation for passing over to eternal life. Anointing often takes place in homes, nursing homes, hospitals, churches or in a community setting. The sacrament may be received more than once, such as when a sick person’s condition worsens.
In the rites of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, saying ‘Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’ He also anoints the sick person on the hands, saying “May the Lord free you from sin, save you, and raise you up. Amen”. The “raising” refers to spiritual healing as well as any physical healing that may take place.
If you or a loved one is seriously ill, hospitalised, or facing surgery, please contact the Parish Office and we will arrange for a priest to administer this sacrament. This sacrament is not only for those at the end of life — it is available to anyone who is seriously unwell.
Marriage
Marriage (or ‘holy matrimony’) is a Sacrament of commitment. A covenant by which a man and a woman form an intimate connection of life and love with each other and with God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy. The most important aspect of a Catholic wedding is what is commonly known as the exchange of vows. These words are the essential element of the sacrament of marriage; they form the covenant that establish the couple’s marriage.
The Catholic Church has requirements before Catholics can be considered validly married in the eyes of the Church. A valid Catholic marriage results from four elements:
- Both spouses are free to marry
- Both spouses freely exchange their consent
- In consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another, and to be open to the gift of children
- Their consent is exchanged in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized church minister.
Marriage & Family Life
Through the Marriage and Family Office the Diocese offers approved Marriage Preparation Courses.
Please book your Diocesan Marriage Preparation Course at https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/discipleship/our-courses/
If getting married in NZ – 1 year in advance your wedding date.
If getting married overseas – 18 months in advance your wedding date.
For more information please email Gerry Smith gerrys@cda.org.nz
Couples via Zoom
Are you dating, engaged or a married couple and want to improve and deepen your communication with your partner/spouse?
This is a free course and you do not have to be a Catholic to register.
Please go to https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/alpha_couples/
To find out more, please contact Gerry Smith 021 022 47442 or email at gerrys@cda.org.nz
Holy Orders
Men who seek priesthood respond generously to God’s (Te Atua) call using the words of the prophet, “Here I am; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8). This sacrament configures candidates to Christ the Priest, granting them the sacred power to act in the person of Christ for the service of God’s people.. Through their leadership in the Church, they help continue God’s presence on earth in the tradition of the apostles.
The three degrees of Holy Orders — bishop, priest and deacon — are reserved for men. Women contribute to the life of the Church in many vital ways, serving as lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, lay chaplains, religious sisters, and in countless other ministries.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Are you drawn to the Catholic faith? Do you wish to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or the Eucharist?
The RCIA programme is open to adults and young people over 15 who wish to enter the Catholic Church, as well as baptised Catholics who have not yet received all their sacraments.
RCIA Adult Inquirer Information Form
RCIA Youth Inquirer Information Form (13 – 17 years old)
RCIA Child Inquirer Information Form (7 – 12 years old)
Applications for 2027 are now open.
Email: glenedenrcia@gmail.com
For Baptism enquiries and the Sacramental Programme: ourladyoflourdes@xtra.co.nz