Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental preparation is a vital part of the Faith Formation program. Please remember to keep the Sacrament as the center of your celebration. As your child receives First Reconciliation, First Communion or Confirmation, remember that receiving the sacraments of the Church is entirely about your child’s growth in faith and the relationship s/he shares with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Please keep these special days in the life of your son and daughter holy by showing reverence to the Sacrament being received. If you feel your child is not ready to receive a sacrament, please call us. Families will receive information on meetings, home preparation, dress requirements, etc. Full and active participation is expected for sacramental preparation programs.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Second grade is the usual grade for children to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Children must attend Faith Formation in First and Second grade to receive these sacraments. Parent meetings, home preparation, regular attendance at Faith Formation classes, and regular attendance at Mass are required. A copy of a child’s baptismal certificate is REQUIRED for a child who is preparing for their First Communion (1st and 2nd grade as well as any older student who missed the opportunity in 2nd grade). Please submit this information at registration so we have verification. (All sacramental records are kept on file in the office of the parish where the sacrament was received, and parishes will mail the certificate(s) to a parent if you call and request one.) If your child was not baptized in the Catholic Church, please inform us immediately so that we can facilitate his/her reception of these sacraments.
Confirmation
After completing both 7th and 8th Grade requirements, students normally will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation either during the Spring or Fall of the completion of their studies. Date for this Sacrament is set by the Diocese not the parish. All students preparing to receive the Sacrament are required to attend a retreat that is hosted by the parish prior to the reception of Confirmation.
- Service Hours: All 7th graders preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be required to submit five service hours as part of their preparation year. Such service hour requirements will continue into 8th grade. By the time of Confirmation, students should have completed 10 hours, and can include opportunities related to the parish, sports, clubs, community service, or religious volunteering.
- Mass Reflections: All 8th graders preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be required to submit weekly reflection papers on the 5 Lenten Sunday Gospels and homily for the Mass attended.