Sacramental Preparation

First Communion
Parents are the first and best teachers of our children.  Sacramental preparation is a shared responsibility with parents and the child in the home with sacramental books and materials provided by the Director, and the catechists with the child in our Religious Education/Confirmation programs.  Sacramental preparation is a two year process in accordance with Archdiocesan policy.  Parents also attend adult enrichment sessions and parent meetings to help resource and guide parents in the preparation.

 
1st Year Reconciliation – English and Spanish
During the Saturday Religious Education and Confirmation Jr. High & High School Programs, parents receive the First Reconciliation book and materials to help the child learn prayers, Bible stories, 10 Commandments and the traditions of receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation or First Confession prior to receiving First Communion.  Multiple opportunities will be available for your child to receive this sacrament. Children in first grade are encouraged to receive the sacrament when the child turns 7 years old or when parents and Director determine readiness.
 
2nd Year First Communion – English and Spanish
During the Saturday Religious Education and Confirmation Jr. High & High School Programs, parents receive the First Eucharist book and materials to help the child learn prayers, Mass responses & prayers, Bible stories and traditions of receiving the Sacrament of Eucharist or First Communion.  The child and parents will have a mandatory rehearsal prior to the celebration of this sacrament. 
Confirmation
Junior High Program
Teens enrolled in Jr. High (7th-8th grade) meet twice monthly for two years in the lower level of the Worship Center on selected Sunday mornings or twice monthly on Saturday mornings in Spanish.  

High School Program
Teens enrolled in High School meet twice monthly for two years on selected Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Worship Center.  
 Picture
Teens enrolled in the Confirmation program may receive First Communion at the end of the two year process toward the Sacrament of Confirmation.  

All candidates will attend the mandatory retreat, complete studies and homework on the blog, Works of Mercy and attend the mandatory rehearsal prior to Confirmation.
Children’s Catechumenate
Baptism
Based on the number of children older than 7 years who are seeking the Sacrament of Baptism, children will receive Baptism and First Communion at the end of the second year of the process at the Easter Vigil.
 
If they are in the 7th grade or older, they will also receive the sacrament of Confirmation.