Sacramental Prep | StCathWilm

Sacaramental Prep

Sacramental Preparation Programs

Sacraments are a vital part of our Catholic faith. They are external signs that make real to us the invisible reality of God's grace. Baptism is the first sacrament and is the gateway to all the other sacraments.

First Reconciliation and First Communion

Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion are under the direction of the Religious Education Program at St. Catherine of Siena. Children are prepared for reception of these Sacraments by their parents, who attend a special program in the fall. Celebration of First Reconciliation is typically held in January. In addition, children will attend a First Communion retreat day before of their First Communion day. Celebration of First Eucharist is typically held in May.

Our sacramental programs are based on these principles:

Parents are the primary teachers of their children.
Sacraments are gifts of grace.
Sacramental catechesis can help invigorate the faith participation of families
All learning of faith seeks to draw persons into deeper communion with Christ and his Church.

Children eligible to begin sacramental preparation must be:

Baptized*
At least 7 years old
One full year of parochial school or religious education classes prior to the sacramentalpreparation year.

Parent(s): Must attend the Parent Formation meetings offered during Sacramental preparation year.

* Proof of Baptism is required. If your child is 7 years old or older and has not celebrated the sacrament of Baptism, additional formation will be necessary to prepare your child to celebrate both First Reconciliation and First Communion.

Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the sacraments of Christian Initiation that, together with Baptism and the Eucharist, completes this phase of a Christian’s life of faith. At the Sacrament of Confirmation we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirm our baptismal promises.

At St. Catherine of Siena, Confirmation is a two (2) year preparation. Grade nine is the minimum grade for reception of this Sacrament.

Email: youth-ministry@scswilmde.org