How do we go about having our child baptised?

Parishioners whose child is not yet seven years old may contact either the parish priest or the leaders of the baptism preparation programme - Baptism for Infants.
     Baptism dates appear regularly in the weekly Parish bulletin.
     The preparation period for children older than seven is longer. These children need to have become part of the worshipping community. The programme normally begins about November and concludes with the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter - Rite of Christian Initiation of Children. See the section "Baptism of older children" towards the end of the Baptism page.
     Such children should be enrolled either at a Catholic school (Our Lady Star of the Sea School) or EIF classes on Monday evenings - Education in Faith.

Can children from other Parishes be baptised at Our Lady Star of the Sea?

Parents from another parish wanting their child to be baptised here need to contact their own parish priest for permission.
     The baptismal preparation usually takes place in the family's own parish, thus respecting their connection with their own parish.

Our child was baptised as a baby - how do we arrange First Communion?

We ask that children preparing for First Communion are already enrolled either at a Catholic school or at our parish EIF - Education in Faith.
     Once children are seven, they may begin their preparation by first preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation.
     This course, held each year in November, involves both parents and children.
     The following Lent children begin preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist (First Communion).
     These two sacraments are now received together, usually on a Sunday in the Easter season.

Our child received First Communion overseas but is not confirmed - what do we do?

In the Auckland diocese, children now receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist / First Communion at the same time when they are about 7-9 years old.
     Each year our parish offers a Confirmation programme for older children who are not confirmed.
     Interested parents are asked to contact the Parish Office by Email or at (09) 534 8710.