Preparation for the sacrament of Baptism begins with a family meeting several weeks in advance of the celebration.  The sacrament of Baptism takes place six times a year and is scheduled during weekend Mass.

Having established a foundation in religious education in 1st grade, First Reconciliation typically takes place in late fall when a child is in the second grade.  Preparation for First Reconciliation includes a parent meeting, a choice of two family workshops, and an optional Family Learning Center's gathering.  First Eucharist occurs in the spring of the 2nd grade.  Preparation for First Eucharist includes a parent meeting and student enrollment, a Eucharist workshop, an optional Family Learning Center's gathering, and a Blessing Cup Meal.

Confirmation is a two-year program beginning in the fall of the 7th grade.  The spiritual journey culminates in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation in the winter of the 8th grade.

7th grader's preparation includes a parent meeting and student enrollment, answering monthly questions about Catholic teachings, participating in a variety of service projects, talking with their chosen sponsor, and participating in a student/sponsor retreat.  7th graders have the option of participating in "Are you Smarter than a 7th Grader?" as they attempt to stump their sponsors with questions about the Catholic faith.

8th grader's preparation includes researching information about a saint they choose for their Confirmation name, writing a letter to the Archbishop explaining why they want to be confirmed, and participating in a Confirmation Retreat.

Children who have missed a sacrament for any reason should contact the Religious Education Office to make arrangements for special classes.

Important Sacramental Dates 2007-2008

8th grade dates

Parent meeting (about retreat) - Wed Dec 5 7:00PM

8th grade Confirmation retreat - Sat Jan 12 8:30AM-10:00PM

Interviews - Sun Jan 13 (GIFT) 9:45AM; Tues Jan 15 (school)

Confirmation practice - Wed Jan 23 7:00PM ***tentative date

Confirmation - Sunday, Jan 27 5:00PM ***tentative date

7th grade dates

7th grade parent meeting/student enrollment - Wed Sept 19 7:00PM

Present candidates at Mass - Sun Oct 21 11:00AM Mass

7th grade/sponsor retreat - Sun Oct 21 2:00PM

Hunger Walk - Sun Nov 4

Are You Smarter than a 7th Grader? OPTIONAL Wed Jan 16 7:00PM

2nd grade dates

1st Reconciliation parent meeting - Wed Sept 12 6:30PM

Reconciliation Workshop - Sun Oct 14 2:00PM

                                                                OR

                                                Sat Oct 20 10:00AM

Family Learning Centers OPTIONAL Sun Oct 28 2:00PM

1st Reconciliation - Saturday, November 10 10:00AM

Eucharist parent meeting/student enrollment - Feb 20 6:30PM

Present candidates at Mass - Sat/Sun Feb 23/24 all Masses

Eucharist Workshop - Sun March 2 2:00PM

Family Learning Centers OPTIONAL Wed March 5 6:30PM

Blessing Cup Meal - Sun March 30 5:00PM

Eucharist practice - Sat April 26 morning

1st Eucharist - Saturday,  April 26 5:00PM; Sunday April 27 8:30AM;

                           OR Sunday, April 27 11:00AM