SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

As Roman Catholics, we believe the sacraments are channels through which the grace of God, flowing from the cross of Jesus, comes to us. One way of coming to Jesus Christ is through the sacraments. Sacramental preparation of students for Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation are established according to diocesan guidelines. Diocesan regulation states that there must be two religion school years of preparation for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. Children are already involved in ongoing formation if they participate in a religious education program. We integrate the sacramental preparation program into our regular religious education curriculum. The diocese further states that it is the responsibility of the parish to provide parent meetings for each sacramental preparation programs. Attendance at these meetings is MANDATORY. If both parents cannot attend a scheduled meeting, they should notifying the Religious Education Office immediately. Parents need to let the Religious Education Office know who will be taking their place at this meeting. These meetings enable the program to inform parents of important spiritual and practical information. It gives the program the opportunity to answer any questions or concerns parents may have. They also provide an opportunity for parents to reflect upon their own understanding and appreciation of the sacraments; and to explore some specific ways that, as their child's most important role model, they can nurture and affirm the faith development of their child.

Sacramental reception takes place in the parish community. In the beginning of the year, a sacramental meeting covers the sacrament of Reconciliation. As the preparation of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist draws near, there is an additional meeting to cover that. For Confirmation, there is a meeting in the beginning of 7th grade and the beginning of 8th grade.

Reconciliation
A child normally receives this sacrament in the 2nd grade. Information concerning this sacrament is given at the parent meeting. Your child will be tested for his or her readiness and knowledge before receiving this sacrament. Your child needs to complete a family project for this sacrament. The children will need to learn the Form of Confession and the Act of Contrition. In 1st grade, your child learned the Hail Mary and Our Father. We will teach them other prayers and the proper format for receiving this sacrament. Practices are held during class with one late dismissal.

Holy Eucharist
A child normally receives this sacrament at the end of 2nd grade. Information pertaining to this sacrament is given at the parent meeting. The children are instructed in the biblical accounts of the Last Supper, the sacramental meaning of Eucharist, which covers the Real Presence of our Dear Lord. You will need to purchase a banner kit at the cost of $6.50 from the program. A mini-retreat is planned before First Communion for your child and one parent. There is a $5.00 fee for the retreat. Your child will be asked to bring in a family-favorite bread recipe so we can make a Bread Recipe Booklet for the families of the Communion class. We will need a 2x2-inch picture of your child for a project. Each student also needs to bring in a baked loaf of bread the day of First Communion; this needs to be covered with a clear wrap with your child's name on it. All Students wear a rented communion robe. There is a rental fee of $10.00 for the use of the robe. These robes must be returned immediately after the sacramental Mass. The girls wear Communion veils on the top of their heads. Veils are purchased by the family. The children will be honored (dressed in their First Communion clothes) at the 9:15 a.m. Mass Sunday after the first reception of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

Parents and other members of our parish help with the Communion reception.