Sacramental formation programs prepare the faithful to receive specific sacraments as part of their life as Catholics, especially the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacramental formation programs for children and youth are parallel and separate from ongoing faith formation.
Families come to faith formation at different stages. As a general rule, families should expect their children to actively participate in at least two years of faith formation or Catholic school prior to receiving the following sacraments.
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.
Parents do not have to be baptism to have their children baptized.
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 at or after the initial parent meeting, typically held in September.
Program Dates for 2023-24 School Year:
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 at or after the initial parent meeting, typically held in December.
Program Dates for 2023-24 School Year:
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 actively participate in at least two years of regular faith formation or Catholic school prior to receiving the sacraments.
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:
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!