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Sacramental Preparation Process

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM:

If your child is 7 years old, has not received a *valid Baptism, and has not attended FF classes, please contact the OCIAC (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults for Children) director. Baptized (Catholic or other faith traditions) children, of catechetical age (7 or older) who have never participated in a FF program will enroll in the OCIAC class as they begin Catechetical process of receiving this Sacrament.

*A valid Baptism is with the true Trinitarian formula and with proper intention (pouring, sprinkling, or immersing the one Baptized) water “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

 

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE & RECONCILIATION:

This Sacrament is also known as Sacrament of Conversion, Penance, Confession, Forgiveness, Reconciliation. Parents/guardians must attend mandatory meetings. They will consist of prayer, reflection, and material to prepare the children to receive the Sacrament. This is an opportunity for answering questions that parents/guardians/students may have. Students must understand the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and know basic prayers (for example: the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition, the Ten Commandments, Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, etc.) before going to Confession.

 

SCRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST:

This Sacrament is also known as Holy Communion, Eucharist, and the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Children must have received the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation prior to preparing for the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (unless your child is not baptized and receiving all initiation Sacraments on the Easter Vigil through the OCIAC program). Parents/guardians will be asked to attend mandatory meetings. They will consist of prayer, reflection, and material that will be used to prepare the children to receive the Sacrament. This is an opportunity for answering questions that parents/guardians/students may have. Children will be interviewed prior to the time of the Sacramental Liturgy to assure that they understand what it means to receive Jesus' Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity and review prayers they should know. To receive the Holy Eucharist, the student must be in a state of grace (going to confession as soon as possible before the Sacrament); the desire to receive Jesus’ precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, and believe that Jesus is truly present in the Sacrament.

 

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION:

The general guidelines for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation are as follows:

1. To enter the first year of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, all students will be expected to meet the following standards:

  1. Be a Baptized and a practicing Catholic.

  2. Have "regular" attendance in parish FF programs in the 6th and 7th grades, thus being "Catechized to the grade level."

  3. Currently in the 8th grade.

2. To enter the final year of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the student must be “catechized to the grade level” or have completed a comparable pre-Confirmation program (approved by their director), with at least an 80% attendance record, and completed all assignments.

3. To successfully prepare and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the candidates must meet the following:

  1. Completed the program of the Sacrament of Confirmation and have attended all activities, assignments, and a retreat in the second-year program.

  2. Have attended all Rites, Masses, and other special activities pertaining to the Sacrament.

  3. Have studied and selected an intercessor Saint whose name they will take during the celebration of the Sacrament.

  4. Participate in an interview with the FF Team to discuss the process, future parish commitments, and to assess their needs and desire to receive the Sacrament.

  5. Have made a conscience, personal decision to be confirmed into the Catholic Church and make a commitment to continue to grow and celebrate our faith.

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