The Sacramental Preparation Program is considered free-standing,that is, no grade level is attached to a sacrament.   Preparation will begin if a candidate expresses desire, exhibits readiness, possesses sufficient age appropriate knowledge of the faith, as well as parental and pastoral agreement. 

Preparation for and completion of the sacraments will lead to greater participation in an already active prayer and worship life within the parish community.

 Eucharist/reconciliation

Children will explore in depth the meaning of community through the celebration of Reconciliation and Eucharist.  The Reconciliation portion is held during the month of December and consists of three (3) 2-hour classes, and parent/child home lessons.  The Eucharist portion runs from January through early May and consists of eight (8) 90-minute classes that follow the 8:30 Mass on Sunday.  The children participate in a ½ day retreat prior to receiving Eucharist, Holy Thursday liturgy, as well as a presentation Mass and reception the week following the First Eucharist celebration.

 Parents are required to attend scheduled meetings during this preparation time.

 Readiness Guidelines—Reconciliation

Our children are all different.  Their growth in each of these areas sometimes unfolds slowly.  We invite them to grow and develop these abilities.  This preparation program asks us to remember that the ability to recognize our faults and commend them to God’s love and mercy is situated in a firm belief of our own goodness.  As family, we provide the environment for this recognition.

Your child should have an ability to:

· distinguish right from wrong.

· recognize the need for forgiveness and reconciliation.

· express sorrow.

· describe wrongdoings in their own words.

· recognize the effect of their actions upon others.

· take responsibility for these actions and their -consequences.

· trust in Jesus’ forgiving love.

Readiness Guidelines—Eucharist

What does the Church require for your child to receive First Eucharist?  The Church asks only what your child is able to give; that is, a child’s faith and a child’s desire.

Your child should:

· know who Jesus is, some main events in His life, and the story of His death and resurrection.

 · be taken regularly to Mass, and as the liturgy progresses, should be told what is going on and given the opportunity to ask questions.

 · experience prayer as a regular part of family life.

 · be able to tell the difference between eucharistic bread and ordinary bread.

 · desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.

Confirmation  

Candidates are asked to strengthen their personal and communal faith by affirming the commitment made for them by their parents at Baptism.  The program’s aim is to guide and assist the candidates as they work towards sealing their faith with the gifts of the Holy Spirit at the celebration of the sacrament.  The preparation process consists of parent/child interviews, Rite of Enrollment mass, and gatherings. 

Parents and sponsors are required to attend meetings as they help the candidates fulfill the requirements of their formation. 

Readiness Criteria

Candidates must have a/an:

 · desire to be mature witnesses to the faith and disciples of Jesus.

· desire to celebrate the sacrament.

· ability to accept responsibility for baptismal promises.

· sense of community as expressed through regular celebration of the Eucharist and its call to compassionate outreach to others.

· general background and basic knowledge of the Catholic faith acquired through systematic learning classes, which are currently offered through grade 10.

· willingness to participate fully in the program of immediate catechesis (preparation).


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