Sacramental Preparation

Do you remember a time when the baptismal font was placed in a separate little area, often away from the worship area? And baptisms were never celebrated during Mass? Why is the font the first thing we see as we enter most churches? Why are baptisms now celebrated during Mass?

At the moment of our baptism we become members of the Body of Christ in a very special and beautiful way. Through baptism, we have the privilege and responsibility of growing in our faith.

Part of this growth involves celebrating the sacraments of reconciliation, 1st Eucharist, and Confirmation. And in each case, we first go back to our roots of baptism and are reminded of all that entails.

Baptism at St. Mary's

All children, both public school and Catholic School need to register if they will be preparing for 1st Reconciliation, 1st Eucharist, or Confirmation.  Those wishing to have their child baptised need to register as members of the parish and attend a one hour baptismal preparation class.

Sacramental preparation is a parish faith formation activity!

1st Reconciliation

“Come now, let us talk this over, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”- Isaiah 1:18

God’s forgiving, healing love helps us to grow and become sharers in the ministry of reconciliation. As Christian parents, we lay the foundation of this ministry by giving unconditional love, forgiveness and reconciliation to our children. And as our children experience this in our care, they begin to glimpse the true nature of the love of God and the promise of lasting peace and happiness, which is God’s promise to us. Families requesting the Sacrament of Reconciliation will have their child’s regular studies supplemented by the “Gift of Reconciliation” program which involves the parents more actively in the preparation for the Sacrament. Included with regular Mass attendance are parent sessions to support the parents in preparing your child and a retreat experience for parents and child. Parents prepare their own children for the sacrament. First Reconciliation is celebrated in the February.

Mandatory Meeting
Tuesday, September 22 at 7pm
for ALL parents whose child
will be receiving this sacrament for the first time.
Click here for details.

1st Eucharist

These are the signs that we have become Christians and joined the family of God. They are called the sacraments of initiation. Baptism and Confirmation are a sign of our birth as a Christian and can never be repeated. The Eucharist – or Mass – is the continual celebration of our Christian life. - “Your Child’s First Communion”, Liguori

The celebration of the Eucharist (The Mass) is at the heart of our Catholic Faith. Children and their parents must make the commitment to attend Mass regularly. Attendance in classes does NOT suffice for the reception of the Sacraments. Mass attendance is required for those requesting the Sacramental Track.
The day of first Holy Communion is the beginning of a new journey with Jesus. Beginning on this day, we are able to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, the Real Presence of Jesus, every day if we so choose. We are certainly encouraged to partake of this sacred feast at least weekly. As we do so, we participate in a special grace that helps us in our daily walk through life. Eucharist also helps us to understand that our walk with Jesus is truly a journey of life that never ends.

Families requesting the Sacrament of Eucharist will have their child’s regular studies supplemented by “The Gift of Eucharist” program which actively involves the parents in the preparation for your child’s First Communion. Included with Mass attendance are parent sessions to support you in preparing your child, a “teaching Mass,” and a special retreat for parent and child. First Communions are celebrated during the Easter Season. Those families who feel their child is ready may request Communion at anytime outside of Lent.

Confirmation: Upon completion of two years in the high school RE program or a Catholic High School, students will be invited to enroll in the immediate preparation for Confirmation. This includes attendance at a day-long Confirmation retreat, faith-sharing classes in homes, a large group session, confession and interviews and participation in a group service project. Confirmation is usually celebrated in the Fall. As with the other sacraments, Mass attendance is an integral and important part of this preparation.

RCIA and Christian Initiation of Children: If a child over the age of 6 or an adult is requesting Baptism (s)he will be enrolled in either the RCIA or RCIC program for preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This program runs separately from the regular religious education sessions.
Older students who have been baptized but not received the sacraments will be evaluated on an individual basis for preparation for the sacraments. All back material missed will be covered before the child will be enrolled in a Sacramental Program.
Adults requesting Confirmation, who have received the other sacraments, will participate in special Confirmation classes for adults. Confirmation will be celebrated for them either in the Fall or at the Easter Vigil.

ST. MARY'S POLICIES
MASS ATTENDANCE It is expected that parents will attend Mass regularly with their children. The goal of catechesis is to bring people to the celebration of the Eucharist. Coming together as a parish family to worship our God is an important part of our on-going faith formation without it attending every class is inconsequential.
CLASS ATTENDANCE: Regular class attendance is a must if our youth are to mature in their faith. The presentation of doctrine and the exchange of ideas/feelings are invaluable supplements to the lived experience of faith in the homes. Participation by the both the parents and the children in the Generations of Faith Gatherings provides an opportunity for parents to mature in faith with your family. Make-up work will be required for all missed classes. The curriculum overviews will be on the website www.stmarysonthehill.org.
ABSENCES: If a child is absent for ANY reason, please call the REO (683-8564) anytime prior to the start of class. Parents will be contacted by phone if we have not been notified of the absence.
TARDINESS: Being on time is not only polite but essential. The bell rings 5 minutes prior to the start of class, so that class can begin on time. All late students must stop in the REO for a late slip before entering the classroom.
EARLY RELEASE If a student must be dismissed early, a note, signed by the parent, must be presented in the REO BEFORE class. Parents must enter the building and sign the student out before the student may leave the building.
CLOSINGS: Please listen to WBEN 930 or WGR 550 for information about closings.
DISCIPLINE: It is expected that students will conduct themselves in a Christian manner, respecting themselves, their teachers, fellow students and school/student property.
STUDENT EVALUATION Each student will be evaluated based on participation, knowledge and attitude.
NEWSLETTERS Each family will receive a periodic newsletter which will be used to communicate important information about the program and up-coming events. The materials will go home with the YOUNGEST or ONLY child in the program.



Faith Formation Questions?  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Elaine Driscoll our DRE or the Religion Ed office at , or email her at mailto:elained@stmarysonthehill.org. To register in any sacramental program, fill out the registration form in the parish form section.