Sacramental Preparation
Sacraments are joyous celebrations of our children's deepening relationship with God, and their commitment to the Christian journey of faith. The foundation of our sacramental preparation program is the conviction that parents carry out the primary role in the faith formation of their children simply by being parents — the most important Christian adults in their children's lives. Our programs support parents in this important role.
Sacramental preparation:
- Is separate from Catholic school or religious education programs
- Is readiness based and not based on age or grade level
- Expects that the child is receiving foundational faith formation in a Catholic school or the parish religious education program (Summer Camp or Home Study)
- Involves cooperative effort of parents and parish
Note: sacraments are celebrated in the parish where the family is registered and worships.
First Reconciliation (First Penance)
Reconciliation is a sacrament that celebrates the presence of God in those areas of our life that need forgiveness and healing.
Readiness
The celebration of First Reconciliation is readiness based (not based on age or grade level). Here are some questions to help determine a child's readiness to celebrate Reconciliation:
- Does my child desire to celebrate the sacrament?
- Does my child have an age-appropriate understanding of right and wrong?
- Does my child have an understanding of God's love and forgiveness?
- Has my child been formed in faith in an age-appropriate manner?
Preparation
- Attendance at two parent child sessions (held in October and November)
- Completion of The Gift of Reconciliation workbook
Celebration of the sacrament occurs at the end of November.
Resources
Call 663-8000 to register your child.
First Eucharist (First Communion)
We are nourished in the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life. Celebration of the sacrament occurs on the first weekend in May during the regular weekend liturgies.
Readiness
Celebration of First Eucharist is readiness-based, not determined by the child's age or grade level. Here are some questions to help determine a child's readiness to celebrate First Eucharist:
- Has my child been baptized and has he/she reached the age of reason?
- Has my child expressed a desire to celebrate Eucharist?
- Has my child been formed in faith in an age-appropriate manner?
- Does my child participate in the worship life of the St. Charles community?
- Can my child tell the difference between Eucharist and ordinary bread?
Preparation
- Attendance at 2 parent and child sessions held in March and April
- Completion of the We Celebrate the Eucharist workbook (the gold book)
Resources
2011 Dates
- First Eucharist Celebration Dates
- May 5, 2012 4:30 P.M. Mass
- May 6, 2012 9:30 A.M., 11:30 A.M. Masses
- Meetings
- March 4, 2012 10:45 A.M. Gym
- April 22, 2012 10:45 A.M. Parish Center
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation that brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace and more clearly shows forth the gifts of the Spirit which were received in Baptism.
Readiness
Celebration of Confirmation is readiness-based (not based on age or grade level). Here are some questions to determine a child's readiness to celebrate Confirmation:
- Does my child express a desire to celebrate Confirmation?
- Does my child participate in the worship life of the St. Charles community?
- Has my child been formed in faith in an age appropriate manner?
- Is my child willing to make a commitment to continue formation and participation in the life of the St. Charles community?
Preparation
- Attendance at the parent/candidate informational meeting.
- Candidate participation in small group sessions facilitated by an adult mentor
More Information
- Celebration of the sacrament occurs in the fall (date TBA).
- We welcome any adults who are interested in adult confirmation.
Resources
Fall 2011 Dates
Confirmation October 12 7:00 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral
Call 663-8000 to register your child.