Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two-year process. Typically, this process begins with 1^stgrade where the child receives the first year of foundational catechesis. However, we recognize that sometimes this is not always the case. Therefore, a child who is in 2^nd-5^thgrade and is need of these sacraments will begin the two-year process at their grade level with their peers. A supplemental resource is used within the classroom to aid the students with their spiritual and developmental faith process.
 
Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation require certain sacrifices. These sacrifices remind us how important the sacraments are, and how building the Kingdom of God requires a mature, sacrificial commitment for the sake of the Gospel. The catechists who prepare children for the sacraments make sacrifices of time, activities, and energy; we ask our families to make certain sacrifices and commitments to make sure their children have a meaningful experience as they celebrate the sacraments.
 


The following Family Commitments are required for adequate sacrament preparation: 

1st  & 2nd Year Sacramental Prep

• Family participation at Sunday (or Saturday Vigil) Mass. Weekly Sunday Mass attendance is THE most essential component in a child’s religious formation in preparation for the sacraments. Sunday Mass attendance is the heart of who we are as Catholics. Children who do not attend Mass regularly may be delayed in receiving the sacraments. 
• Attendance. Children who miss more than two classes per period may be delayed in receiving sacraments. 
• Adequate sacramental preparation. Children must attend a minimum of one-year instruction before receiving Reconciliation and First Communion. The First Year is specifically faith formation and the Second Year is in preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.

2nd Year Sacramental Prep Only

• Sacrament Retreats. These parent/child retreats will be dynamic and informative and will focus on the sacraments and help equip parents as the primary teachers of the faith in their homes. There will be an adult and child component.
• Four adult formation classes for parents/guardians of children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Parents/guardians attend the parent instruction held simultaneously with the children’s instruction.
• Mid-year interview with the child and parent to measure progress and see how we can support child and parent towards the reception of the sacraments.