Sacramental preparation

To receive a sacrament, First Communion and Confirmation, for the first time, the Diocese requires a minimum of two consecutive years of attendance.

FIRST COMMUNION

This sacrament is received for the first time in the spring of second grade. The emphasis in classroom preparation is upon the Eucharist as a holy meal that God shares with us. Our text is “Tabor Welcome to the Table.”

 A Baptismal Certificate must be provided for the child preparing for First Communion.

The child will need to know:

  1. The Life of Jesus.
  2. The difference between Communion and Ordinary bread & wine.
  3. Show a desire to receive communion.
  4. Know the following--Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Lord Have Mercy, Morning Offering; Act of Contrition, Glory to the Father, Apostle Creed, Ten Commandments, the Seven Sacraments, and Precepts of the church.
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Parents are expected to participate in these sacramental programs actively by attending the preparation sessions (meetings) and by helping their children to prepare for the celebration of the sacrament.

To help make this experience have meaning for the child, we depend upon the family:

  • Attend Mass regularly with the child, and to participate actively in the liturgy.
  • To attend the planned preparation sessions.
  • To help the child prepare for First Communion by working at home with the suggested family activities.
  • To plan a family celebration of First Eucharist that focuses on the spiritual meaning of the sacrament.

After First Communion, to attend Mass as often as possible as a family, so the child will have continued opportunity to experience the joy of this sacrament.

For children, reception of this sacrament can be an important spiritual experience. Anything the parents and family can do to enhance that experience will be welcome.

CONFIRMATION

At least a one-year preparation of candidated must precede the reception of Confirmation which should take place in the 10th or 11th grade. The preparation program emphasized the continuing help of the Holy Spirit as a person grows into greater responsibility within the community. A copy of the Baptismal Certificate must be obtained. Also required, a copy of the child's First Communion Certificate. They should be given the opportunity of receiving the Sacrament of Penance before Confirmation.

Requirements:

Challenges of the preparation process are set forth for candidates, sponsors, and parents. Each Confirmation candidate is required to fully participate in the following:

  1. Complete a Parish Project, Community Project and Workbook Project (that is done with the parents and sponsor).
  2. Research the life of a saint which he/she chooses for their Confirmation name.
  3. Participate in a one day group Confirmation retreat (near the date of Confirmation).
  4. Make a formal request to receive the sacrament by preparing a letter explaining reasons he/she feels he/she is ready for Confirmation: "Why I Want to be Confirmed."

An interview is scheduled for each candidate.

All Confirmation students must attend and participate regularly in Mass.

An excellent class attendance is required for candidates.

The Ceremony of Confirmation is a culmination of this preparation process, and administered by one of the bishops of the archdiocese.

Required catechetical sessions round out the experience of this sacrament by helping the confirmed to reflect on its spiritual impact.

Confirmation Sponsor:

Each candidate must choose a Confirmation Sponsor. Ideally, the sponsor is a Godparent who has remained close to the candidate. However, a candidate may also choose an individual who is an active, Confirmed Catholic in good standing and is at least 21 years of age. Must have Sponsors Confirmation Certificate and if married, must be married by the Catholic Church. Proof of Marriage Certificate that shows the Church, Priest or Deacon that perform the wedding is required. [Parents cannot be the sponsor of their own child]