Confirmation & First Holy Communion

At St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish, Rotorua, we joyfully prepare our children each year to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion — two beautiful steps in their journey of faith and belonging to God’s family.

Who Can Join

Children aged nine years and above, who have already been baptised in the Catholic Church, are invited to take part in our Sacramental Preparation Programme.

This programme helps children grow in faith, understand the meaning of the sacraments, and deepen their friendship with Jesus.

Our Preparation Programme

The programme runs once a year and includes eight sessions — six with the teachers and two with the sponsor — each lasting about 40 minutes.

Through prayer, discussion, scripture, and simple home activities, children and their families discover:

• Why we believe in God and belong to His family, the Church

• The meaning of the sacraments as signs of God’s love and grace

• The beauty of the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Confirmation

• The role of sponsors and the importance of living faith in daily life

Parents and sponsors are encouraged to walk alongside the children in this journey — through prayer, presence, and the example of faith.

Celebration of the Sacraments

At the end of the programme, children receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and their First Holy Communion during a special parish celebration.

It is a moment of great joy and grace for our whole parish community as we witness their growth in faith and their full participation in the Eucharist.

How to Enrol

Details about registration and session dates are announced early each year through:

• The parish newsletter

• Notices at Mass

• The parish office

For more information or to register your child, please contact the Parish Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.⁠ ⁠What if my child is not yet baptised?

Children who are not baptised can still be part of our parish family. We will guide you through the process of preparing for Baptism first, before joining the sacramental programme.

2.⁠ ⁠Can parents and sponsors attend the sessions?

Yes! Parents and sponsors are encouraged to attend. Your presence and example of faith make a deep impression on the children.

3.⁠ ⁠How long is the preparation?

The programme usually runs for several weeks leading up to the celebration of Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

4.⁠ ⁠When are the celebrations held?

These sacraments are usually celebrated once a year, often around mid-year, depending on the Bishop’s availability.

5.⁠ ⁠Can children baptised in other Christian denominations join?

If your child has been baptised in another Christian denomination, we warmly welcome you to speak with the priest. Together, we can discern the next steps toward full communion with the Catholic Church, so your child can share in these sacraments with understanding and grace.