Sacraments

The commencement of your child’s sacramental journey is the reception of the Sacrament of Baptism.

The sacrament is celebrated whilst the community are gathered during Mass.  Because Baptism is the sacrament when the child is being welcomed into the Family of God, it is important that the family are there to participate in and celebrate the ceremony. The explanation of the ceremony is included in the kit given at the initial visit. The significance of the commitment of the parent and godparents cannot be underestimated and is worthy of reflection, as each of these people is asked to respond positively to questions based on the Creed. In baptism, parents ‘speak’ for their child and parents and godparents promise to support the child on the faith journey – a privilege perhaps underestimated.  It is important that one godparent is a Catholic.

The initial step requires you to call into the Parish office at 23 Dinwoodie Street, Hamilton on a Monday morning at 10.30am, where Carolyn will be most willing to help you get started by completing a simple form. Dates can be organised and a Baptism preparation kit given to the family. You will also be given the date of the next Baptism Preparation evening, which both parents are encouraged to attend. One week prior to the celebration of the Sacrament, arrangements are made for Fr Paddy to visit your home. During this visit, the child receives some of the anointings relative to the Sacrament.

A stipend of $50 is requested which covers stipend, stole, candle and certificate.

Enquiries may be made by phoning during the above times on 5571 1161.

Pre Marriage Procedure

MAKING CONTACT WITH THE PRIEST WHO WILL CELEBRATE THE MARRIAGE – Couples are encouraged to marry in the Parish Church of either the man or the woman, preferably with one of the clergy of that parish acting as celebrant. The Church’s Pastoral role emphasises the importance of preparation for marriage within a faith community.

You should make contact with one of the Priests as soon as possible after your engagement, allowing 12 months prior to the date of your wedding to make arrangements to meet him and begin your preparation.

The Welfare of the couple should be given priority.

WORKING WITH THE PRIEST – The Priest will want to meet you several times – to get to know you, in order to make the celebration of your wedding as personal and memorable as possible. He will want to help you use the time leading up to your wedding well, to prepare for a really good marriage. He will assist with sharing an understanding of the Catholic faith, where there is an interfaith context for the marriage. He will also assist you in preparing the ceremony for your wedding.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED – Birth Certificates – Baptism Certificates – Letter of Freedom from Parish Priest (if bride or groom is not resident in St Mary’s Parish, Hamilton)

Note Also: Priests from other parishes are welcome to perform marriage ceremonies in this parish.

It is the responsibility of the Celebrant to ensure that:

1. The couple are free to marry according to the rite of the Catholic Church;
2. The pre-nuptial inquiry forms (Marriage Declaration Forms) for both parties are filled out;
3. All documentation both Church and civil is completed;
4. Any necessary dispensations are given.

Cost and Payment

The fee payable for a wedding is $400.00. This includes a $30 fee for FOCCUS a pre-marriage program, church use and Priest’s stipend. This money is not for the personal use of the Priest but goes towards the support of priests and living expenses. A reduction of $100.00 is made for parishioners who are recorded as regular contributors to the Planned Giving Program. Payment for the Priest’s Services – $175.00. A deposit of $100 is payable at the time of booking and will confirm your booking. Balance to the paid one month prior to the wedding date.

In relation to the above fees it should be noted that: – Civil Celebrants charge approximately $350.00 for their services. A Priest spends much more time with the couple than a Civil Celebrant and should expect a similar payment. It should also be noted that the Priest does not receive the fee personally. The amount given is paid into a fund for the support of all Priests of the Diocese.

If you have chosen a Celebrant outside the Hamilton area, this clergy fee, as well as the booking fee for the Church still applies. (It is proper to offer remuneration to the visiting priest, ie: travel plus offering).

MUSIC – Payment is by arrangement with the singer and musician direct. The church tape or CD player is available, a fee of $25 is required to have a parishioner attend to the tape or CD player.

Pre- Marriage Education

Couples are expected to attend the pre-marriage FOCCUS program currently being run in the parish. The priest will give the couple information regarding the program.

Special Notes

Marriage Ceremonies will be in accordance with the Rites of the Catholic Church. Priests will provide guidelines to be followed (appropriate readings, etc.)

Church Music –  We believe that the choice of music for the Marriage Ceremony ought to express and enhance the Christian vision of marriage. The ceremony should be dignified and prayerful. Check your choice with the priest.

Wedding Booklets –  If you intend to print a wedding booklet a draft is to be shown to the Celebrant before printing.

Church Flower Arrangements – Floral arrangements, pew decorations, etc in the church are your own responsibility. You are welcome to have simple arrangements of flowers. These may be placed on the two church pedestals at the rear of the sanctuary, or in front of the altar or lectern. Church Flowers can be arranged and provided by Mrs Ilma Underwood, 73 Digby Road Hamilton. Phone: 5572 3383 for a fee of $100.

Candelabra – Only the candelabra belonging to the church may be used. These are two 7 candle branched candlesticks. Hiring fee is $40. White candles can be provided, or your own coloured ones may be used.

PREPARATION IS IMPORTANT. WE TAKE YOUR DECISION TO MARRY SERIOUSLY

We encourage you to participate well in the preparation for your marriage. You are expected to give this priority over other commitments.

Please notify your guests of the following requirements by printing them on your invitation and in your booklet:

1. Confetti, flower petals, rice etc.- These are not to be used within the Church grounds. They cause too much mess and can find their way into the interior of the church.
2. Photographs and Videos – Apart from the entrance, the signing of the register and leaving the church, photos or videos are to be taken by the official photographers only. Numerous photographs during the ceremony can be intrusive and distracting from the sacredness of the moment.

A thought to ponder:

In view of the large number of people today who are unemployed, homeless and hungry, you may consider donating a little to the St Vincent de Paul Society. You may arrange this through the priest. It is a way to thank God for your bounty of love and friends. Let it represent the concern and kindness you would like to see in your own marriage.

God bless your marriage!

Pre – Marriage Education

Prepare for your marriage, not just your wedding!

Marriage is the most challenging, complex and yet rewarding commitment two people can make to each other.

Preparation is essential in making such an important life choice, with research showing that pre-marriage education significantly improves the chances of a successful relationship.

The goals of Centacare’s pre-marriage education program are for couples to:

• explore relationship strength and growth areas;
• improve communication skills;
• learn how to cope with and resolve conflict;
• discuss relationship roles and expectations; and
• to focus on personal, couple and family goals.

Centacare Warrnambool offers couples private relationship education sessions. For more information contact Centacare on 5559 3000 Family Relationship Education Services Level 1, 142 Timor Street WARRNAMBOOL 3280.

Arranging a funeral is a task we all hope never to have to cope with. Unfortunately there are times when we have no choice and we hope that by presenting these Liturgical guidelines from the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat, it may make the procedure easier for you.

Funerals can be celebrated in a number of places – the Church, Funeral Parlour, Graveside, Crematorium. In each case, there should be appropriate use of Christian symbols and Scripture for the funeral service and committal of the body and/or ashes. Those preparing for funerals should ensure that the necessary preparations are made and communicate with the Funeral Director regarding all liturgical celebrations.

1. Length of Liturgy 
   The length of the funeral celebration should take into consideration the tension for the bereaved, the constraints of those attending, the requirements regarding the use of the church or place of celebration and cemetery. In the normal course of events, funeral masses should aim to be no longer than one hour.
2. Eulogy 
   Placement of the Eulogy is at the beginning of Mass or Service, after the Greeting. Length of the Eulogy is to be no more than 7 minutes. It is recommended that only one person gives the Eulogy and that the text of the Eulogy is written out.
3. Symbols
   Symbols are of two kinds: Life symbols and Sacred/Christian symbols.Life symbols: Provision should be made for life symbols (photos, fishing rods, knitting….) to be placed in an appropriate and dignified place at the front of the Church prior to the Funeral liturgy separate from the Christian symbols. The life symbols could be alluded to during the Eulogy.Sacred/Christian symbols: The symbols of paschal candle, pall, water, incense, devotional articles should be used according to the ritual. The pall can appropriately remain on the coffin until reaching the graveside. Only Christian symbols should be placed on the coffin. Flowers for the coffin should be moderate in size.
4. Readings
   Readings for the Liturgy of the Word are to be from Sacred Scripture and an authorised translation used. Other readings may be included during the Eulogy or after Communion at a Funeral Mass.
5. Presentation of the Gifts
   Only the bread and wine should be presented at this time in a Funeral Mass.
6. Music
   Music during the Funeral Mass should be sacred music and liturgically appropriate for the ritual being celebrated. Requested music may be incorporated in a reflective manner and the music as the coffin leaves the church could be negotiable. Consideration regarding use of personal choice music may also be part of the gathering after the Funeral.THE RITE OF COMMITTAL: The Rite of Committal may take place at the Graveside or at the Crematorium. If there is to be no service at the graveside or Crematorium, it is appropriate to have a simple ritual of farewell as the hearse leaves the Church. It is also appropriate to have a simple prayer service for the Committal of Ashes.AFTER THE FUNERAL: Following the immediate time of the funeral, continuing pastoral support should be offered to the bereaved, e.g. regular visits, a card or some kind of remembrance on the first anniversary of death. Occasions of liturgical celebration for those who have died should feature in the life of the parish – e.g. the inclusion of prayers for those who have died in the General Intercessions, an annual memorial Mass or service, prayers during November, Mass in the cemetery.