Sacramental Preparation Program

As primary witnesses of the faith, parents journey with their children as they attend Christian Formation and work with them at home with a home study program provided by the parish.

Timeframe
Children prepare for First Reconciliation in the fall and winter and receive in February.  They then prepare for First Eucharist in the winter and spring and receive in May. 

Time Commitment
The sacramental preparation program requires a time committment which includes parent classes, a home study program, and a children's retreat for each sacrament. Weekly preparation is dones asynchronously and each lesson per week is approximately 30 minutes If you find your schedule is not conducive to the First Sacraments schedule, you have the option to wait until the following year to prepare and receive. 

Parent Involvement
Parents are required to attend an orientation meeting and 2 parent classes for each sacrament.  Please plan to attend classes in the fall for First Reconciliation and the winter and spring for First Communion.  Classes will be held during regular Christian Formation times in the atrium. 

Curriculum
The parish uses Discover! by Saint Mary's Press which incoporates both parent and catechist-led sessions.

Children's Retreat
All children in Grades 2 to 5 preparing to receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are scheduled to attend a retreat for each sacrament.  The retreat will be for children only and will be a time of reflection and preparation which will include a walk-through of the sacraments. Parents will be invited at the last 15 minutes of the retreat to go over any logistical information for each celebration.

For First Sacraments Candidates for 2022-2023

First Sacraments Parent Orientation
Sunday, October 2nd OR Sunday, October 9th

at 9:40 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in the atrium