Mary Mother of the Church

Catholic Parish Ivanhoe

 

The Baptism of your child should take place in your own local parish church, or the church where you regularly go to Mass. In this way you are connected to your local Catholic Community and it celebrates the fact that your child, through Baptism, becomes a brother or sister to the local Catholic Parish Family.

Because of the current Covid 19 regulations, baptisms cannot be celebrated at Mass (which is our usual custom). Instead, they will be celebrated at a separate ceremony. You will be advised of current Covid regulations regarding numbers able to attend, contact tracing, etc. when you make your booking.

For full details please download the two documents below:

1. Baptism Information Pack

2. Baptism Booking Form

For children attending one of our Parish Schools their preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation will be arranged through their schools.

For children not attending one of our Parish Schools we offer an out of school Sacramental Program led by our Parish Catechist, Dr. Margaret O’Donnell. For information and registration forms for 1st Reconciliation, 1st Communion and Confirmation please download the document below.

PLEASE NOTE: From 2022 the Sacraments of Reconciliation and 1st Communion will only be offered in even years

(2022, 2024 etc) and the Sacrament of Confirmation will only be offered in odd years (2023, 2025 etc).

Sacramental Program Information Pack 2022

Please note closing dates for registration:

1st Reconciliation:  18 February

1st Communion:  18 February

Confirmation:  Not available this year - offered in 2023

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Communion at Home & Anointing of the Sick

A team of home communion ministers assist in taking Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. If you are seriously ill, or preparing for a visit to hospital, then you should receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This is ideally celebrated at home or at church prior to admission to hospital. Contact the Parish Office – see details at bottom of this page. 

Anointing Masses are held during Lent and Advent. In 2022 they will be on Tuesday 29 March 10.30am at Mother of God and Tuesday 13 December 10.30am at Mary Immaculate. A morning tea follows the Mass. Transport can be arranged for those unable to make their own way to the Mass.

Marriage

This Sacrament requires an appointment with the Parish Priest and needs at least 3 months notice. Marriage preparation courses are provided by CatholicCare Family Services and details will be provided when you first enquire. Contact the Parish Office – see details at bottom of this page.  

Funerals

The Funeral Director will make contact with the Parish to arrange the time and details of the Funeral Mass.

The Parish also provides support for families at the time of bereavement and assists with the preparation of the Funeral Mass including the selection of readings from scripture and music.

All Souls’ Day Memorial Mass

The Parish holds a Memorial Mass on All Soul’s Day in November each year for all those who have died during the previous year and for all departed family, friends and parishioners. Recently bereaved families are especially invited. This year’s Masses are on Wednesday 2 November - 9.15am at St Bernadette's and 7.00pm at Mary Immaculate. The evening Mass is followed by refreshments.