First Sacraments

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 done 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 for each Sacrament.  Please plan to attend a class in the Fall for First Reconciliation and a class in the spring for First Communion.  Classes will be held during regular Christian Formation times in the Atrium. 

Curriculum
The parish uses Go! Seek! Find! Discover God's Treasures! by Saint Mary's Press, which incorporates both parent and catechist-led sessions.

Children's Sacrament Retreats
All children in Grades 2 to 5 preparing to receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are required to attend a retreat for each sacrament at the parish.  The first hour of the retreat will be for children only.  It is a time of reflection and preparation for the sacraments. Parents are required to attend a 30 minute session with their child after the children's portion is completed.  During this session, questions will be answered, forms will be given out and the logistics of the sacrament day will be reviewed with the families.