At each step of our lives, the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church provide the grace we need. On this page you will find information on how to request various sacraments and preliminary information on arranging a Catholic funeral.
Click on the tabs below to find out more.
Baptism Enrolment Information
Welcome and congratulations! Baptism preparation is a chance for your family to enter more deeply into the life of faith, to encounter God and be an integral part of our parish community. We look forward to journeying with you as you and your family prepare for your child’s baptism.
Step 1: Complete the Belonging course
Belonging is an online course which will help you to go deeper into the meaning of baptism, the rite itself, the roles of parents and godparents, and the call of Christian family life. The course consists of 6 short videos, some readings and quizzes. Allow around 2 hours to complete (in one sitting or across several). At the completion of the course you will earn a Program Completion Certificate. You only need to complete this course once per family.
Step 2: Book and attend a parent preparation meeting
At the parent preparation meeting you will meet other parents who are having their child baptised. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the content of Belonging and go through the baptism rite. At least one parent must attend and your child and/or their godparent(s) may attend.
Step 3: Fill in form and provide further details
At the conclusion of the meeting you will be emailed a Baptism Enrolment online form. This form helps us to collect all the information we need for your child’s baptism.
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate.
- A copy of one Catholic parent’s baptism certificate.
- A copy of every godparent’s baptism certificate (one godparent must be baptised Catholic).
Step 4: Confirm baptism date
When all your paperwork is received, the Sacramental Coordinator will contact you and confirm a date for your child’s baptism. Baptisms are usually held outside Mass (Orange) or during Mass (other churches).
Step 5: Meet with the priest
Prior to the baptism, parents meet face-to-face with the priest conducting the baptism. The priest will meet with both parents at the family home at a time which is mutually convenient. One of our parish staff will be in contact with you to arrange the meeting.
Step 6: Baptism and beyond
This day is a day of anticipation, preparation, joy and celebration. It begins a lifelong journey of faith and belonging as your child is brought into relationship with Jesus and his Church. We hope that you will be renewed and refreshed in your faith through your child’s baptism preparation, and will consider how you can help your child and your family live the Christian life today and always.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion has already been celebrated in 2024;
Please check back early next year for First Holy Communion in 2025.
Orange & Molong Parish
Email our sacramental coordinator, Melissa Ryan at sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au for more information.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation has been celebrated for 2024. Information for Confirmation in 2025 will be updated in early 2025. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our Sacramental Coordinator, Melissa Ryan at sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au.
Please note you will need to provide a copy of your child’s Baptism certificate and your child’s sponsor’s Baptism certificate for Confirmation.
Orange Parish
Students in Non-Catholic Schools in Orange
Please email our Sacramental Coordinator, Melissa Ryan at sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au for more information.
Students in Catholic Schools in Orange
Please email our Sacramental Coordinator, Melissa Ryan at sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au for more information.
Molong Parish
Students in non-Catholic Schools in Molong and Manildra
Please email our Sacramental Coordinator, Melissa Ryan at sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au for more information.
Students in Catholic Schools in Molong and Manildra
Please email our Sacramental Coordinator, Melissa Ryan at sacraments.orange@cdob.org.au for more information.
Congratulations!
Please contact the parish office on (02) 6362 2378 or office.orange@cdob.org.au for information on arranging a Nuptial Mass or Catholic Marriage Service.
Are you considering the priesthood or religious life? Contact the parish office on (02) 6362 2378 or office.orange@cdob.org.au to make an appointment with one of our priests to discuss this important vocation.
The Anointing of the Sick is a beautiful sacrament of healing that may be requested by Confirmed Catholics who are seriously ill (physically or mentally) or who have grown frail due to advanced years.
This sacrament is celebrated at our healing Masses, held twice a year during Lent and Advent. Priests are also able to visit those who need anointing at home, hospital, or in a nursing home, upon request.
To request a priest to visit, please call the parish office on (02) 6362 2378. If you urgently need a priest after office hours, call the office number and select Option 3 for the priest on duty.
Please note: due to privacy rules the priests only know if you are in hospital (and would like a visit) if you or a family member let us know. The nurses at the hospital can ring us on your behalf if you would like a visit. If a loved one is in a serious condition or palliating there is no need to wait until the end seems near. Please ask the hospital staff to ring the parish soon after admission to the hospital. If the priests arrive earlier and the patient is still conscious they have the consolation of knowing they are being anointed and the option of receiving Holy Communion and going to Reconciliation.
About Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing that may be requested by Confirmed Catholics who are seriously ill (physically or mentally) or who have grown frail due to advanced years. It should not be requested by those who judge themselves to be strong and healthy.
Traditionally referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered both to the dying and to those who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, for the recovery of their health and for spiritual strength. It is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental illness.
The effects of Anointing are the strengthening of the soul, often of the body as well, and in the necessary conditions remission of sins. Anointing, however, is not an alternative for the Sacrament of Penance.
In the past, this sacrament was often kept strictly for those close to death. In more recent years the Church has encouraged greater use of this sacrament for illnesses which are not necessarily life-threatening. As with all the sacraments, this anointing has significance for the whole Church. It reminds us of our call to wholeness and our call to be a sign of salvation to the world. Wherever there is brokenness, we are to be instruments of Christ’s healing touch.
Funerals (Requiem Mass, Funeral Service or Graveside Service) are available for deceased baptised Catholics. When a loved one has died, the first step is to contact your preferred funeral director, who will then coordinate with our office to book the funeral.
Funeral preparation includes a meeting with the priest who will conduct the Mass or service. This meeting is an opportunity for us to learn about your loved one and get to know your family, to tailor the funeral rite (e.g. choose readings) and to answer any questions you may have.
Funeral planning
We can help you plan your funeral at any time. If you would like to assist your family members in the future, contact the parish office to see a priest to begin planning. You can plan as much or as little as you like: the type of funeral (Mass, service or graveside); selecting the readings and/or music; detailing the full liturgy. You can update your plan at any time.
Parish of St Mary & St Joseph, Orange
Parish of the Sacred Heart & St Lawrence O’Toole, Molong
84 Hill St, Orange NSW 2800
(02) 6362 2378
office.orange@cdob.org.au