Photos: illustration, archive
As the year progresses, Croatian Catholic Centres across Australia are turning their hearts and minds toward a significant spiritual moment. This involves a young believer’s journey — the reception of the Holy Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation (Krizma).
This sacred time of preparation has officially begun for children and youth. It especially targets those who do not attend Catholic schools and are invited to parish-based religious education programs (vjeronauk). These lessons are not just about learning prayers or dates. They focus on nurturing a deeper understanding of faith, community, and commitment to Christ through the holy sacraments.
Why ‘vjeronauk’ Matters
Religious education, or “vjeronauk,” plays a vital role in helping young people grow in their Catholic identity. They prepare to receive the sacraments and learn what it means to live as a Catholic today. Understanding the holy significance of sacraments is embedded in this education.
Vjeronauk provides them with a safe space to ask questions, explore beliefs, and build friendships within their community. It strengthens the connection between home, church, and culture. This is particularly important for Croatian-Australian families striving to preserve faith and heritage.
Parents, godparents, and families are encouraged to support this process. They do so by bringing their children to weekly lessons and Mass and by continuing the conversation at home, making faith a part of daily life.
Celebrations to Come
The culmination of these preparations will be celebrated toward the year’s end with joyful liturgical ceremonies. A Croatian bishop is expected to visit Australia to preside over some of the Confirmation celebrations. Though his official name has yet to be confirmed, his presence will be a great honor. It further demonstrates the strong ties between the Croatian Church and the diaspora community, centering on the holiness of sacraments.
A Call to Community
For families who have not yet enrolled their children in sacramental preparation, it’s not too late. Parish offices and catechists welcome new participants warmly. Attending vjeronauk is not just a requirement — it is a gift. It forms a foundation that shapes a lifetime of faith centered on the holy sacraments.
Let us walk together as a community of believers, nurturing the next generation. We will do so with love, guidance, and the light of Christ through understanding the Holy Sacraments.
We have gathered some information from Croatian Catholic Centres. For those not on the list, please contact your parish directly:
Croatian Catholic Centre Blacktown
On Saturday, 24 May, afternoon classes will begin as follows:
First Holy Communion class starts at 1:30pm
Confirmation (Krizma) class starts at 2:00pm
Croatian Catholic Centre Summer Hill
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, 19 October.
Religious instruction is held on Thursdays at 6:30pm.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Saturday, 15 November at 11:00am.
Religious instruction is held on Thursdays at 7:30pm.
Croatian Catholic Centre Sunshine
Saturday – 9:00am – Parish Religious Education for Children
Croatian Catholic Community Clifton Hill
Religious instruction for First Holy Communion and Confirmation candidates
Classes are held every Saturday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.
First Holy Communion will take place on Sunday, 26 October 2025 at 10:30am. Confirmation will take place on Sunday, 9 November 2025 at 11:30am, on the feast day of the parish community.