Typically during 2nd grade, is when the sacramental preparation begins for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Both sacraments take place in the same school year beginning in the Fall with First Reconciliation and then in the spring for First Eucharist.
In order for the child to be eligible to receive the sacraments, a year of Faith Formation must take place prior to sacramental preparation. This means being a part of a Faith Formation program or being a student at a Catholic school. The child must also be baptized and actively participating member of Saint Mary our Mother Church.
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Typically begins in 2nd grade and must be completed before receiving First Holy Communion.
The Sacramental Prep. takes place in Fall with the scheduled First Reconciliation date normally in November.
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Typically begins in 2nd Grade and must complete First Reconciliation before receiving this sacrament.
The Sacramental Prep. takes place in the Spring of the same year, following First Reconciliation. The scheduled First Eucharist dates are normally in early May.
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Sacramental Prep. includes a Fun retreat day, a workbook, and a practice Mass. The Workbook is completed at home with the parental guardians. The retreat day is a Mandatory Part of the Sacramental Prep. The practice Mass is also mandatory and takes place the week before First Eucharist.
Sacramental Prep. is such a wonderful time for the candidate. The year is filled with fun ways for the candidate to grow closer to God!
Each Retreat has fun videos, songs, games, and food that helps candidates understand the major themes of each Sacrament they are about to receive.
Mandatory attendance at Mass helps candidates understand the true presence of Jesus in the bread and wine.
Participating in the Manger Blessing on Christmas Eve and the procession during Holy Thursday allows for the candidates to have a major part in each of these Masses.
Then, of course, learning through the workbooks allows candidates to grow in their Faith by learning from their Parental Guardians.
There are so many ways for the candidates to grow in their Faith throughout the year!
Make sure to Follow our Faith Formation Instagram! We update it regularly with updates and pictures for our Sacramental Prep. Families!
Diocese of Rochester’s principles guiding sacramental preparation is 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.
- Children who have reached the age of reason (seven) must be given adequate basic catechesis so that their participation in the sacrament may be a free response of faith.
- 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 in this parish,
- one must be a baptized Catholic and an actively participating, registered member of St. Mary Our Mother Church.
- One must have completed at least one year of religious education or Catholic school prior to the year the preparation for the sacrament begins.
- One must meet the readiness suggestions set forth by the policy for the Administration of Sacraments. ( A Guide for Parents is available in the Faith Formation Office.)
