SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION: 1) A student must have completed one full year of Faith Formation instruction before entering a Sacramental Preparation class.
2) Students will normally be prepared to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation for the first time in Grade 2, so they must have completed Grade 1.
3) The sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated every year, as scheduled by the bishop, so generally will be held in the spring of the 9
th Grade year, so students must complete Grade 8 in Faith Formation.
4) If older students have missed any sacraments at the normal time, special arrangements will be made for them to receive the sacrament(s). Parents should notify the Director of Faith Formation at the beginning of the year if any special conditions exist. RCIA for Children sessions will be offered for these students on Tuesday evenings. Adults (18 or older) who need to complete their sacraments will attend the Adult Confirmation class on Tuesday evenings.
5) Sacramental preparation is geared to help students, parents, and families not only be prepared for the reception of the sacrament, but to help promote the continued participation in the sacrament.
6) Prior to the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation, a required retreat will be held to give students a final spiritual preparation for the sacrament.
7) Although students are initiated into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, this initiation is only the beginning of their faith formation. Because faith formation is a lifelong process, children will be expected to continue their faith formation through participation in the Faith Formation Program.
8) In order to assist parents in the preparation of their children for the reception of the sacraments, our Faith Formation Program provides Sacramental Preparation Sessions for families. These meetings are a
required part of the sacramental program. The sessions are designed to familiarize families with current Church teachings; develop methods to promote and increase family participation in the reception of the sacrament; and to extend the process of catechesis at home. Parents will be notified concerning the dates of meetings and other sacramental information.