St. Catherine
of Alexandria

Sacramental Preparation

- Formation
Online Registration
- 2021-22 Faith Formation Registration
- 2021-22 Faith Formation Registration (SPANISH)
Documents
- 2021-22 Registration Form
- 2021-22 Registration Form (SPANISH)
Contact Us
- Roselynn Pucan-Meagor
  
  Director of Family Faith Formation
  
  (408) 779-9604
  rpucanmeagordsj.org
- Maria Miranda
  
  Spanish Program Coordinator
  
  (408) 779-9604 ext 262
  maria.mirandadsj.org

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Preparation for and celebration of the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are experienced within the life of the child's parish community and the life of the child's family. Wherever a child attends school, sacramental preparation and the sacrament celebrations happen within the parish community where the family is a member and attends Mass. SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2020-21 - Sacramental Preparation for 2020-21 will be through virtual parent and child sessions and retreats for First Reconciliation and FIrst Eucharist. Further information will be given at the Parent Orientation in early October 2020. Sacramental preparation consists of family and parish preparation. Within the family, children learn how believing, knowing, and experiencing God is part of everyday life by the example of parents. Parents are the primary educators of the faith and the many ways you have loved, cared for, shared meals with, and demonstrated forgiveness communicate the unconditional love of God to your child. Listed below are more ways to intentionally prepare your child for reception of the sacraments. Look for God in the everyday. God is all around us - we just have to open our eyes and hearts to see him at work. "How did you you see God today?" or "What can we say 'Thank You' to God for today?" are questions you can ask at mealtimes to begin a faith conversation. Give Sunday Mass the greatest priority in your family faith life. Pray together daily as a family. Include prayers spoken aloud to aid your child’s heart to be open to receive the grace of the Sacraments. Participate in parish life, especially in children’s ministry opportunities such as Liturgy of the Word With Children and Vacation Bible School. Make time for you and your child to share God’s love with others through service experiences. Within the parish, children should have participated in parish faith formation or Catholic School religion classes for at least a year prior to the Sacramental Preparation year. First grade would typically be considered Year 1 and second grade would be considered Year 2. Children may begin faith formation at any grade level. During the second year of preparation, families participate in the parish sacramental preparation program. PARENT GATHERINGS AND PARENT/CHILD RETREATS During Sacramental Preparation, there are parent gatherings and parent/child retreats to help and encourage parents to be actively involved in their children's sacramental preparation and to provide opportunties to learn and grow in faith together. At least one parent needs to attend the gatherings with the child for the child to be fully prepared to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Godparents/sponsors are invited and encouraged to attend as well. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Adapted for Children The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) adapted for Children is the sacramental preparation process for children/youth over the age of 7 who have not yet been baptized. It is modeled on the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). In keeping with the current Church practice, these children prepare to celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. For further information and to schedule a meeting, please call the Faith Formation office at (408) 779-9604.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Preparation for and celebration of the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are experienced within the life of the child's parish community and the life of the child's family. Wherever a child attends school, sacramental preparation and the sacrament celebrations happen within the parish community where the family is a member and attends Mass.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2020-21 - Sacramental Preparation for 2020-21 will be through virtual parent and child sessions and retreats for First Reconciliation and FIrst Eucharist. Further information will be given at the Parent Orientation in early October 2020.

Sacramental preparation consists of family and parish preparation.

Within the family, children learn how believing, knowing, and experiencing God is part of everyday life by the example of parents. Parents are the primary educators of the faith and the many ways you have loved, cared for, shared meals with, and demonstrated forgiveness communicate the unconditional love of God to your child. Listed below are more ways to intentionally prepare your child for reception of the sacraments.

Look for God in the everyday. God is all around us - we just have to open our eyes and hearts to see him at work. "How did you you see God today?" or "What can we say 'Thank You' to God for today?" are questions you can ask at mealtimes to begin a faith conversation.
Give Sunday Mass the greatest priority in your family faith life.
Pray together daily as a family. Include prayers spoken aloud to aid your child’s heart to be open to receive the grace of the Sacraments.
Participate in parish life, especially in children’s ministry opportunities such as Liturgy of the Word With Children and Vacation Bible School.
Make time for you and your child to share God’s love with others through service experiences.

Within the parish, children should have participated in parish faith formation or Catholic School religion classes for at least a year prior to the Sacramental Preparation year. First grade would typically be considered Year 1 and second grade would be considered Year 2. Children may begin faith formation at any grade level. During the second year of preparation, families participate in the parish sacramental preparation program.

PARENT GATHERINGS AND PARENT/CHILD RETREATS

During Sacramental Preparation, there are parent gatherings and parent/child retreats to help and encourage parents to be actively involved in their children's sacramental preparation and to provide opportunties to learn and grow in faith together. At least one parent needs to attend the gatherings with the child for the child to be fully prepared to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Godparents/sponsors are invited and encouraged to attend as well. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Adapted for Children

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) adapted for Children is the sacramental preparation process for children/youth over the age of 7 who have not yet been baptized. It is modeled on the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). In keeping with the current Church practice, these children prepare to celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

For further information and to schedule a meeting, please call the Faith Formation office at (408) 779-9604.