Sacramental Programs & Schedule

Sacramental Preparation in grades 1-8 builds on the faith sharing which begins when parents attend Baptism preparation classes before the birth of their child. From that point on, families are in the process of bringing their children into the sacramental life of the church. Part of the process for children and young people who are preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation) is to be a part of the formation program in the parish religious education program or parochial school. The parish community, along with each child's family, takes responsibility for preparing children from Baptism through Confirmation to complete the process of becoming full, participating members of the Catholic Church.

Reconciliation and Eucharist are celebrated in the second grade. Enrollment in grades 1 and 2 is necessary for the two year sacramental preparation program. Children from our Religious Education Program celebrate First Reconciliation and First Eucharist with children from St. Charles Borromeo School.

Families are an integral part of the preparation.  Parent gatherings are held before each sacrament.  The parent meeting for First Reconciliation will be held on September 30, 2013, from 6:30-7:30pm.  The parent & child meeting for First Holy Communion will be held on February 10, 2014, from 6:00-7:30pm. Doors will open at 6:00pm for selection of your First Communion Mass. Meeting begins at 6:15pm.

Sacramental preparation programs are also available for children who are older than the traditional age.  Click here to learn more.

Confirmation marks the completion of the Catholic initiation process and the beginning of full, participating membership in the Church. The Confirmation program covers 3 years:  grade 7 - Renewal of Faith; grade 8 - Deepening of Catechesis; and grade 9 - Mystery of Sacraments; Ministry & Service.  Students are confirmed during the Fall of their Sophomore year in conjunction with the Bishop's schedule.

During Confirmation preparation, candidates seek to discern the commitment they will make to the parish and larger community. We celebrate a personal commitment to follow Christ and a public commitment of faith. Ideally a student's decision to celebrate Confirmation is the completion of a process begun at Baptism. 

Families are an integral part of the preparation.  A June 18, 2013 parent and candidate Orientation meeting is scheduled for registration into the 3rd year (ninth grade) and program requirements.

Sponsors are required to attend all 1st semester sacrament preparation classes with the confirmation candidate.

Sacramental Schedule 2013-2014

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion 

Home-schooled children must meet with Father to determine child's readiness.

Confirmation

1st semester:  Four classroom catechesis sessions must be attended by the candidate and sponsor.  They are held on Sunday evenings - Sept. 8, Nov. 3, Dec. 8, and Jan. 12 - from 6:00-8:00pm in the parish school.

2nd semester:  Four classroom sessions must be attended by the candidate.  They are held on Sunday evenings - Feb. 9, Mar. 2, Apr. 6, and May 4 - from 6:00-8:00pm in the parish hall.

Each candidate will select a parish ministry to work in during the months of February thru May, 2014.

Two 4-hour service projects are to be completed between September 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014.

A Confirmation retreat for all candidates will be held on a Saturday in June, 2014 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford.  Attendance is required.

Sacraments for Older Children

Circumstances often occur that prevent a child from celebrating sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion during the second grade, or Confirmation inthe 9th grade.  In this situation we have a 2 year program available for instructing and preparing the child to receive the sacraments in a different grade level. 

This is a tutoring program designed for children enrolled in grades 3-11.  It is a two year program that meets on Sunday mornings from 8:30-10:30am.  Tuition rates, book fees, and sacramental fees are the same as for the other religious education classes.  Click here for more information.