Sacramental Preparation
Contact Information:
Barbara Matterazzo, Coordinator of Faith Formation
607-739-8214
[email protected]
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Registration forms are available by contacting the Religious Education Department above.
Diocese of Rochester principles guiding sacramental preparation are as follows:
- All sacramental celebrations are actions of the gathered community.
- Parents are the primary educators of their children and are to be deeply involved in their children’s sacramental preparation. When a child prepares to celebrate a sacrament, the readiness of the family is a consideration.
- All preparation is based on readiness, not age or grade level.
- Preparation is to be short and focused; the purpose is to prepare a person to receive a ritual.
- Preparation is grounded in ritual catechesis and includes prayer, Scripture reflection, faith sharing, and ritual celebration.
Sacramental Program Requirements
- To be eligible to prepare and receive any sacrament, one must be baptized Catholic, and a registered member of St. Mary Our Mother Church.
- Enrollment in Catholic school does not guarantee admittance to St. Mary Our Mother Church’s sacramental program.
- If the candidate is a child in grades K-8, the child must attend either a parish religious education program or a Catholic school.
Confirmation
- Preparation is open to all baptized Catholics who have reached their 7th birthday and are deemed ready according to the Diocesan Sacramental guidelines. All candidates must be registered members of St. Mary Our Mother and a regular participant in an on-going religious education program.
- Each candidate is expected to complete a readiness interview with the Coordinator of Faith Formation or Pastor prior to beginning preparation.
- This sacrament is celebrated each year in the spring with preparation beginning in late fall.
First Holy Communion
- Available to all baptized Catholics age 7 years or older who are registered members of St. Mary Our Mother and have completed two years of religious education prior to receiving the sacrament.
- This sacrament is celebrated in May, usually the first weekend, during all weekend Masses.
- Preparation for this sacrament begins in March.
First Penance (Reconciliation)
- First Penance is available to all baptized Catholics age 7 years or older, who are registered members of St. Mary Our Mother and are participating in a religious education program. At least one full year of education is to be completed before beginning preparation for the Sacrament of Penance.
- This sacrament is celebrated in November with preparation beginning in early October.