Sacramental formation Programs for Children and Youth

Our Lady of Mercy Parish

Sacramental programs prepare children and youth to receive specific sacraments as part of their life as Catholics: Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. These programs run separately from ongoing Faith Formation.

Families come to Faith Formation at different stages. As a general rule, families should expect their children to be actively participating in their second year of Faith Formation or Catholic school to be involved in sacramental preparation.

Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament we receive as Catholics. Parents should contact the parish office. Preparation is based on the age of the child. At age 7 years, the preparation is more involved.

First Reconciliation (aka: Confession or Penance)

Children typically receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in 2^nd grade. The First Reconciliation program consists of an initial parent meeting, the completion of a work book at home, attendance at a one-time parent-child session, a rehearsal, and the celebration of the sacrament.

Since the Sacrament of Reconciliation can and should be received frequently by Catholics throughout life, making reception of this sacrament part of our family life of faith will go a long way in instilling the importance of receiving God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness through Reconciliation.

Confirmation and First Eucharist (First Communion)

Children typically receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and their First Communion at the same celebration in the third grade. The Confirmation/First Eucharist program consists of an initial parent meeting, the completion of a work book at home, attendance at a one-time parent-child session, a rehearsal, and the celebration itself.

Building on Baptism, the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist complete initiation into the Catholic Church. Since the Eucharist is the center of our lives as Catholics, children and their families should strive to make regular participation in the Mass a central part of their life of faith.

Children who attend Catholic school should plan to prepare for and receive their sacraments at their home parish.

Adults who have not yet received Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Eucharist and are interested in becoming Catholic should contact the parish office.

Baptism is the first sacrament we receive as Catholics. Anyone who has not yet been baptized and is interested in learning more should contact the parish office.

Children typically receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in second grade. The First Reconciliation program consists of an initial parent meeting, the completion of a work book at home, attendance at a one-time parent-child session, a rehearsal, and the celebration of the sacrament itself. 

Since the Sacrament of Reconciliation can and should be received frequently by Catholics throughout life, making reception of this sacrament part of our family life of faith will go a long way in instilling the importance of receiving God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness through Reconciliation.

Registration for the First Reconciliation Program occurs before or at the initial parent meeting, held in October.

Program Dates for 2024-25 School Year:

• Parent meeting on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 6:30 pm in the church hall
  • Learn about the preparation
  • Receive handouts and a work book to be completed at home
  • Please bring a copy of your child's baptismal certificate if not baptized at OLM and a $25 registration fee (payment may also be made online through the online giving link near the bottom on our homepage).
• Parent/child session on Saturday, January 11 at 9:30am in the church hall (snow date is Sunday, January 12 at 11:30am)
• Rehearsal on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:00pm in the church (snow date is January 22 at 6:00pm)
• Celebration on Friday, January 24 at 6:00pm in the church (snow date is January 25 at 10:00am); all are welcome!

Children typically receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and their First Communion at the same celebration in the third grade. The Confirmation/First Eucharist program consists of an initial parent meeting, the completion of a work book at home, attendance at a one-time parent-child session, a rehearsal, and the celebration itself.

Building on Baptism, the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist complete initiation into the Catholic Church. Since the Eucharist is the center of our lives as Catholics, children and their families should strive to make regular participation in the Mass a central part of their life of faith.

Registration for the Confirmation and First Eucharist Program occurs prior to or at the initial parent meeting, held in November.

Program Dates for 2024-25 School Year:

• Parent meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6:30 pm in the church hall
  • Learn about the preparation
  • Receive handouts and work books to be completed at home
  • Please bring a copy of your child's baptismal certificate if not baptized at OLM and a $25 registration fee (new this year: payments may be made online through the online giving link near the bottom of our Homepage)
• Parent/child session on Saturday, April 5 at 9:30am in the church hall
• Rehearsal date TBD based on the celebration date, followed by a light reception celebration in the hall. All are welcome!
• Celebration date: TBD by the bishop's office

Baptized adults who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact the parish office.

Families come to faith formation at different stages. As a general rule, families should expect their children to be actively participating in at least their second year of regular faith formation or Catholic school to be involved in sacramental preparation.

 If your child is beyond the grades mentioned above and has not yet received the sacraments, please contact the parish office and we will work with you and your family to develop a preparation plan for your child.

Congratulations! Couples preparing for Holy Matrimony should contact the parish office.
 

RCIA is the process for adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith with the possibility of becoming a Catholic themselves. One might be interested in taking part in the RCIA process if:

• If you would like to be baptized and become part of the Catholic faith
• If you are of another Christian denomination and are interested in becoming a Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith before making the decision to become Catholic
• If you are a Catholic who wants to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist

The RCIA process begins with several meetings called Inquiry Sessions. It is during the process of Inquiry that one has an opportunity to learn the basics of the Catholic faith, to ask any questions, and to reflect on whether one might like to continue the process of becoming a Catholic. Should the individual decide to become Catholic, we will continue to work with him or her through the rest of the process.

Anyone interested in finding out more about RCIA is invited to contact the parish office

Please call the parish office at 603-424-3757 with any questions. We are here to help support you and your family in living our Catholic faith!