SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR 2022-23 - Sacramental Preparation for 2022-23 will be through in-person and at-home parent and child sessions for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Further information will be given at the Parent Orientation in September 2022. 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.
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 support 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. |