SACRAMENT PREPARATION
Sacrament Preparation is separate and unique from formal Faith Formation whether in a Parish Program or Catholic School. As special opportunities to encounter Christ, sacraments call for a time of special formation not only for the child but for the parents as well.
The following guidelines will help to determine if your child is ready to prepare for any of the following Sacraments. Parents should also determine not only if their child is spiritually ready but also if the family can devote the time needed to prepare for the sacrament. It is expected that your family attends Mass at All Souls on a regular basis. Celebrating liturgy together is at the center of our Catholic faith and is the greatest expression of our beliefs.
Are you ready to ask for forgiveness?
Reconciliation (First Penance):
All Souls guidelines recommend that your child is ready to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation if the following have been met:
- Your child has been baptized Catholic or Welcomed into the Catholic Faith if baptized non-Catholic.
- Your child has completed at one full year of faith formation and is currently attending a formation program (Parish Program or Catholic School).
- Your child is in Grade 2 or higher.
Are you ready to receive the presence of Jesus?
Eucharist (First Holy Communion):
All Souls guidelines recommend that your child is ready to prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist if the following have been met:
- Your child has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation.
- Your child has completed at least two consecutive years of faith formation and is currently attending a formation program.
- Your child is in Grade 2 or higher.
Are you ready to make a commitment to your faith?
Confirmation:
All Souls guidelines recommend that your teen is ready to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation if the following have been met:
- Your teen has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist.
- Is currently enrolled in a faith formation program for the current school year (Grade 7 or higher).
- Faith formation is a lifelong journey and every care should be made in attending a yearly program (Parish Program) to avoid a potential delay in Confirmation preparation*. Individualized care will be given to those teens who have had any gaps in faith formation years.
*Many program options are offered to meet the varying needs of families. Please see the Faith Formation Program options under the Faith Formation Tab, Grade 1st through 12.