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THE CATHOLIC PARISH OF EPPING & CARLINGFORD
Sacraments
In the Catholic Church, the Sacraments are central to our faith, revealing God’s presence in visible and tangible ways. Rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus, they are celebrations through which we experience Christ’s grace, grow in faith, and build up the whole community.
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Are you exploring becoming Catholic? Perhaps you are married to a Catholic, perhaps you are a friend of a Catholic, perhaps you have heard of Jesus Christ and discerned that God is calling you, or perhaps you’re just searching, knowing that there is something more to life, even if you don’t know what that something “more” is yet. We are excited to hear from you, no matter where you are on your journey. Getting to know Jesus and understanding Catholic faith is a journey which
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders refers to a unique office of pastoral leadership in the Church. The mission of the ordained priest is to be a sign and to ‘make present’ the leadership which Christ gives to the Church. Through the Holy Spirit, the priest is ordained as one consecrated to God as a sharer in Christ’s mission to serve, teach and govern the people of God. It is more than a managerial role as his leadership involves a ‘holy ordering’ of the many gifts of the Spirit in
Anointing of the Sick
When a Catholic is very sick, the Church anoints the person with oil in a special ritual of healing called Anointing of the Sick. This rite is one way in which the Church continues the healing ministry of Jesus. The healing offered by this anointing is forgiveness of sins, hope and inner peace, sometimes physical healing, and an assurance of God’s steadfast care, even in death. In the past, this sacrament was often kept strictly for those close to death. In more recent years
First Holy Communion
Eucharist or Holy Communion is the bread which is shared at Mass as a way of experiencing Jesus. Jesus had a last supper with his disciples before his death and resurrection, and so for us, we remember that last supper so that we can share in his death and resurrection. We also also give thanks for the presence of Jesus in this Living Bread. First Holy Communion takes place in Term 2 2026 and the children will need to have celebrated their First Reconciliation in Term 1 befor
Reconciliation
This sacrament is a sign and experience of God’s unconditional forgiveness. We are called to be one people united with Christ and one another. Sadly, in our weakness this unity is often ruptured through failures to love (i.e. we sin). Yet God’s love for us does not cease when we fail. By expressing our sorrow for our sin in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience forgiveness and healing as our sins are absolved. This is a very powerful opportunity and allows us to star
Baptism
Baptism for children under 8 Baptism is the sacrament of becoming a Christian. For Catholics, it is the first step in a lifelong journey with the saving power of Christ. The new Christian is welcomed into the loving community both physically and spiritually. As your child grows, they will develop their understanding and character in a very real way through the love, guidance and example of those around them. This includes your family, godparents, and our parish community. Spi
Confirmation
Exploring the Sacrament of Confirmation in light of the Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Closely linked with the Sacrament of Baptism is the Sacrament of Confirmation, which completes and confirms the grace received at Baptism. The focus of Baptism is on our dying and rising with Jesus. The focus of Confirmation is on Jesus giving us his Spirit, the Spirit of love binding Jesus in intimate communion with God. Jesus and the Spirit: revealed in the Scripture
Marriage
In the Catholic Church, marriage is a sacrament. It is a sacred sign. The loving communion that exists between husband and wife reveals to us the kind of love which Christ has for us. That is; free, faithful, fruitful and forever. From the perspective of the Catholic understanding of a sacrament, the married couple not only ‘mirror’ God’s love, they embody the presence of Christ in a unique way. They are a tangible sign of the intimate relationship we share with Jesus. We are
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Are you exploring becoming Catholic? Perhaps you are married to a Catholic, perhaps you are a friend of a Catholic, perhaps you have heard of Jesus Christ and discerned that God is calling you, or perhaps you’re just searching, knowing that there is something more to life, even if you don’t know what that something “more” is yet. We are excited to hear from you, no matter where you are on your journey. Getting to know Jesus and understanding Catholic faith is a journey which
Devotions
Our Devotions Team helps nurture the spiritual life of our parish by coordinating and leading communal prayers and devotional practices. From organising the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration to preparing for special feast days and seasonal devotions, the team ensures these moments of prayer are reverent and accessible for all. Through their dedication, they create opportunities for parishioners to deepen their relationship with Christ and grow in faith together. Their service
Social Justice
We held a Social Justice Forum in the OLHC parish hall on 10 August 2025 following the 10.15am Mass. Over 30 people attended in addition to most members of the Social Justice Committee. The purpose of the Forum was to hear what is already active in our parish, consider what the pressing concerns are in our communities and then nominate the most significant in the collective of concerns presented in the room. We were appreciative of representatives sharing with us some of the
Hospitality
Our Hospitality Team is the welcoming heart of our parish community. Their mission is simple yet profound: to create an environment where every person feels valued, included, and at home. From greeting parishioners at the door to assisting newcomers, the team embodies the spirit of Christian fellowship and service. Hospitality is more than a friendly smile; it is an expression of our faith in action. The team helps with seating, provides information about parish activities, a
Faith Formation
A variety of opportunities for adult education in faith is provided each year. They include: Lenten or Advent Discussion Groups . A number of Discussion Groups are arranged in the Parish during Lent for parishioners to come together to discuss and reflect on the coming week’s Scriptures. Our Scripture Reflection Group meets each Friday after the 9:30am Mass at Carlingford to focus on the Scriptures for Mass the following weekend. Occasional speakers . In addition to these r
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry is an essential part of our parish. Holly Lawton, our Youth Ministry Coordinator organises various activities for youth and young adults. There are 3 youth groups that our parish runs: Cana (year 6-9), Antioch (year 10-23 year old) and Emmaus Young Adults (23-30 year old). We’d love to connect with you! If you have any questions or ideas about youth activities, feel free to reach out to Holly.Lawton@bbcatholic.org.au . Looking forward to hearing from you!
Children's Ministries
Children’s Liturgy of the Word - Kidz Word Kidz Word is our special liturgy for children, celebrated during school terms at both parish churches. It offers all children an opportunity to engage with God’s Word in a way that is fun, creative, and age-appropriate. St Gerard’s, Carlingford When: Sundays during the 9:30am Mass (except Family Kidz Mass days) Where: Parish Meeting Room What to Expect: After the opening greeting, children join our leaders for a liturgy that mir
Holy Orders
The Sacrament of Holy Orders refers to a unique office of pastoral leadership in the Church. The mission of the ordained priest is to be a sign and to ‘make present’ the leadership which Christ gives to the Church. Through the Holy Spirit, the priest is ordained as one consecrated to God as a sharer in Christ’s mission to serve, teach and govern the people of God. It is more than a managerial role as his leadership involves a ‘holy ordering’ of the many gifts of the Spirit in
Anointing of the Sick
When a Catholic is very sick, the Church anoints the person with oil in a special ritual of healing called Anointing of the Sick. This rite is one way in which the Church continues the healing ministry of Jesus. The healing offered by this anointing is forgiveness of sins, hope and inner peace, sometimes physical healing, and an assurance of God’s steadfast care, even in death. In the past, this sacrament was often kept strictly for those close to death. In more recent years
First Holy Communion
Eucharist or Holy Communion is the bread which is shared at Mass as a way of experiencing Jesus. Jesus had a last supper with his disciples before his death and resurrection, and so for us, we remember that last supper so that we can share in his death and resurrection. We also also give thanks for the presence of Jesus in this Living Bread. First Holy Communion takes place in Term 2 2026 and the children will need to have celebrated their First Reconciliation in Term 1 befor
Reconciliation
This sacrament is a sign and experience of God’s unconditional forgiveness. We are called to be one people united with Christ and one another. Sadly, in our weakness this unity is often ruptured through failures to love (i.e. we sin). Yet God’s love for us does not cease when we fail. By expressing our sorrow for our sin in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience forgiveness and healing as our sins are absolved. This is a very powerful opportunity and allows us to star
Baptism
Baptism for children under 8 Baptism is the sacrament of becoming a Christian. For Catholics, it is the first step in a lifelong journey with the saving power of Christ. The new Christian is welcomed into the loving community both physically and spiritually. As your child grows, they will develop their understanding and character in a very real way through the love, guidance and example of those around them. This includes your family, godparents, and our parish community. Spi
Confirmation
Exploring the Sacrament of Confirmation in light of the Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Closely linked with the Sacrament of Baptism is the Sacrament of Confirmation, which completes and confirms the grace received at Baptism. The focus of Baptism is on our dying and rising with Jesus. The focus of Confirmation is on Jesus giving us his Spirit, the Spirit of love binding Jesus in intimate communion with God. Jesus and the Spirit: revealed in the Scripture
Marriage
In the Catholic Church, marriage is a sacrament. It is a sacred sign. The loving communion that exists between husband and wife reveals to us the kind of love which Christ has for us. That is; free, faithful, fruitful and forever. From the perspective of the Catholic understanding of a sacrament, the married couple not only ‘mirror’ God’s love, they embody the presence of Christ in a unique way. They are a tangible sign of the intimate relationship we share with Jesus. We are
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