Sacrament Preparation

for First Reconciliation & First Communion
 

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September 27, 2024

 

Greetings,

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As we approach the beginning of the new Faith Formation year, I wanted to pass along some information regarding sacrament preparation classes for First Reconciliation and First Communion.

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Per the Diocese, direct preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion is distinct from regular parish faith formation or Catholic school religious education. These classes are in addition to regular faith formation classes.

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After much conversation and prayer regarding the classes for First Reconciliation and First Communion, we have decided to hold all sacrament preparation classes at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (click below for dates). Students will still have the opportunity to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion at all three churches. Father O'Connor and I are currently finalizing the specific dates and times for these sacraments.

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From the Sacramental Guidelines from the Office of Child and Family Catechesis:

Parents/guardians hold a special responsibility in guiding their children into the sacramental life of the Church. Together with the faith community, they are called to nurture a spirit of faith that will help the children be well-prepared for a meaningful reception of the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist. This role is further demonstrated by the parents' active involvement in celebrating the sacraments, particularly Penance and the Eucharist.

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The lived experience of sacraments in the family is most important. An atmosphere in which faith is witnessed and discussed is most conducive to growth in faith. By becoming more aware of the meaning of the sacraments, and by participating in the preparation process, parents can fulfill their baptismal promises and nurture the faith life of their child.

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Parents, by their Christian life, form children in prayer, a sense of faith, and in the importance of sacramental life. Parents have the responsibility to assist children in the preparation for the sacramental celebration by:

• celebrating regularly as part of the parish community, including Sunday Eucharist;

• modeling a life of Christian witness;

• assuring ongoing and in-depth catechetical formation through participation of their children in parish faith formation or Catholic school religious education, and in parish sacramental preparation processes.

 

Our weekly Mass sign-ins will begin the weekend of October 5th and 6th. The list will include the students’ names and a space to enter the time of the Mass attended. A white binder with the image to the right will be placed at all 3 parishes:

• St. Augustine's - table in the vestibule

• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - by the statue of Mother Seton

• St. Mary's - on the credenza at the front of the church

 

Please click below to download a document for our Frequently Asked Questions. 

 

Please make sure to submit a copy of your child’s Baptismal certificate to me by November 1st. You can email it to me if that is easier for you. If your child was baptized at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, you do not need to submit a copy.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read through this email. If you have any questions, please let me know. I look forward to walking with you and your child this year! Please know that you are in my prayers, and I humbly ask that you keep me in yours as well!

 

Blessings,

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Julie Moss

Director of Elementary School Faith Formation​​

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