Parish Sacramental Programme – First Reconciliation

Preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation begins with a programme of preparation for First Reconciliation, which will be celebrated on Friday 25th of November at 7pm.

The first evening session will commence at 5.30pm on Monday, 7th November at Saint Mary's school hall.  Late enrolments are possible for a limited period. 

Children in Year 4 in 2011 (and older) at school are eligible for enrolment in the programme.  Parents are asked to ensure that details of their children’s Baptism are included on the enrolment form.  If the child was not baptised at Saint Mary Immaculate, Tauranga, a specific Baptism Certificate for that child is required to be supplied before the child can actually receive the sacraments.

Children who are not baptised, and whose parents wish them to participate in the programme, are expected to get baptised promptly.   Parents of these children are also expected to participate in the Baptism programme run alternatively at Saint Mary Immaculate and Saint Thomas More.  Further information about this course and Baptism generally is available on this website.

Children who are baptised or christened in a Church, but not the Catholic Church, may not necessarily be required to be “baptised again.”   A check can be made with Father Joe by emailing details through his PA’s email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

On each Monday evening the session will begin on time at 5.30pm and will conclude at 6.45pm.  

The teachers from Saint Mary’s School will teach the lessons each Monday.  The Parish is very grateful for the commitment of time and energy from the staff at Saint Mary’s School, and for the use of the facilities there.

There will be a parents session prior to the First Confession night, and there will be more next year in preparation for Confirmation and First Holy Communion.  The parents’ sessions are held at the Parish Centre in the Overflow Room, at a different time from the children’s lessons.

Further information can also be obtained from Brian and Jenny Hillis – 576 2494.

Bishop Denis Browne has advised that he will be here for Confirmation and First Holy Communion at 10am Mass on Sunday 20th of May 2012