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 about their service experience, 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 2011-2012

8^th grade dates

Gown orders due - Sept. 30

Confirmation name (saint) paper – Oct. 7 (school) Oct. 9 (GIFT)

Service paper – Nov. 4 (school) Nov. 6 (GIFT)

Retreat parent meeting – Wednesday, Nov. 30 7PM

Letters to the Archbishop due – Dec. 2 (school) Dec. 4 (GIFT)

Permission slip/Medical release for retreat – Dec. 2

Confirmation info sheets due – Dec. 16

Confirmation retreat – Saturday, January 28***********   (Please note date change)

Interviews GIFT – Sunday, January 22

Interviews (school) – Tuesday, January 24

Confirmation practice – Wednesday, February 8 7:00

Confirmation – Sunday, February 12 3:00

7^th grade dates

7^th grade parent meeting/enrollment – September 21

Present 7^th graders at Mass – September 24/25

Candidate/sponsor gathering – Sunday, November 13 2-5

“Are You Smarter than a 7^th Grader?” – Wednesday, February 29 7:00

2^nd grade dates

Reconciliation parent meeting – Wednesday, September 14 6:30

Reconciliation workshop – Sunday, October 2 1-3:30PM OR

           Saturday, October 8 9-11:30

Reconciliation family learning centers – Wednesday, October 19 6:30

First Reconciliation – Saturday, November 5 10:00

Eucharist parent meeting/enrollment – Wednesday, January 4 6:30

Present Eucharist candidates at Mass – January 7/8

Eucharist Workshop – Saturday, February 4 9:00AM

Eucharist Family Learning Centers – Wednesday, March 7 6:30

Blessing Cup Meal – Part 1 - Straw Mass: Wednesday, March 14 6:30 pm****************** (please note date change)

Blessing Cup Meal – Part 2 - Blessing & Meal: Saturday, March 17 12:00 pm****************** (please note date change)

Eucharist Practice – Saturday, April 28 9-noon

First Eucharist – April 28/29