Sacramental Preparation
Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation
Our sacramental preparation programs are family centered. The primary place where children learn their faith is in their home and their
primary educators are their parents and adult caretakers. Our program is designed to supplement and support this home learning.
Click here for a Registration Form and
Program Calendar for 2009-2010.
Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Children, typically Grades 1 and 2, are invited to participate, along with their parents, in a two-year program that will prepare them for
reception of both the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The sacraments are received in the spring of the second year. The program
consists of home learning, classroom lessons, weekly Mass, and participation in our Generations of Faith gatherings.
Participation in weekly Mass is a vital part of sacramental preparation. All families of First Eucharist/Reconciliation students are expected
to make a commitment to attend Sunday Mass prior to class. We encourage families to attend the 9:00 a.m. liturgy, which includes a separate
Liturgy of the Word for children every other week. There is a coffee social after Mass in the lower-church hall.
Participation in our Generations of Faith gatherings is also required of children and their families.
These gatherings are a time when the community comes together to explore, learn about, and share their experiences of our Catholic faith.
Parents have found that this time of shared worship and learning is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling for their own faith development.
Parents or guardians must attend two adult learning sessions, designed to help them with their children’s home learning (see
the calendar
for these dates). These sessions will run at the same time as First Eucharist/Reconciliation classes. Parents must also commit to assisting
in the children’s classes during the school year so that we have at least 2 adults in the classroom in addition to the teacher. There will
be a sign-up sheet at the beginning of the year.
Confirmation
By our baptism, we are all called to be disciples of Christ in our world. The Sacrament of Confirmation is an extension of our Baptism and
First Eucharist, where we realize the gifts that the Holy Spirit has instilled in us and we go forth and use those gifts for the glory of God,
however God calls us. To prepare to receive Confirmation, we offer a two-year program for high school students, typically Grades 9 and 10
(older students may also apply).
The Confirmation program will include instructional time, prayer, service opportunities, and retreat experience. Regular, active participation
in the Sunday Eucharist is a central element in determining a candidate's readiness for the sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates are also
required to attend all Generations of Faith gatherings. The exact format and calendar are still being planned. Please check back for updates.
Click here for a Registration Form for Confirmation.
