First Reconciliation & First Communion
Children typically prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion for the first time in 2nd grade. Preparation to receive these Sacraments is an exciting and important part of a child’s faith journey. These Sacraments are some of the most beautiful gifts Jesus has given us to help us be close to him. These Sacraments are so special that extra preparation is needed to help children and parents understand the mercy and love given to us by Jesus through these Sacrament . Formation and celebration of these Sacraments takes place in a family, both the domestic Church (in your home) AND the local Church (your parish). There will be several required meetings throughout the year to join together with other families from the collaborating parishes to learn and grow in our understanding of these Sacraments. together. Families will also be connected with a mentor from their parish to walk with them during this year of preparation. Meeting with your mentor will also take place throughout the year during times that work best with your family’s schedule. Additionally pastors from the individual parishes may have requirements and meets specific to the families at their parish.
Learning about these Sacraments will take place either in your child’s Faith Formation Classes, in their religion classes if they attend Catholic School, or as part of a homeschool curriculum.
Families with 2nd graders will be contacted prior to the start of 2nd grade to confirm their desire for their child to prepare to receive these sacraments and their willingness to walk alongside their child during this important year.
If you have a child who is older than 2nd grade who has not prepared to receive these sacraments please contact Kristin. We will be happy to work with you to help your child grow closer to Jesus by receiving these sacraments.
Confirmation
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2:1-4)
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the Church’s participation is the great event of Pentecost. When we are confirmed, something supernatural happens: God acts. He sends down His Spirit for us to be filled with. The bond we have with the Blessed Trinity and the Church is strengthened. Through Baptism we take on the identity of Christ- we are made sons and daughters of God. Through Confirmation we take on the mission of Christ and the Church- to lead souls to heaven. Having been equipped with all the necessary gifts, we are then sent out into the world to boldly spread and defend our faith in Jesus.
In the Diocese of La Crosse, youth receive the Sacrament of Confirmation when they are in 10th grade. Prior to their Confirmation, which is around Easter time, they participate in an 8-month preparation program. This program consists primarily of monthly Sunday evening sessions, through which the candidates will engage in interactive activities, learn about the fundamentals of the Catholic faith, discuss and share their experiences in small groups, hear inspirational stories of the Saints, grow in their understanding of the Holy Spirit and His gifts, and open their hearts to the Lord through personal prayer. In addition to these monthly sessions, candidates are required to attend a special dinner with their parish priest as well as a Confirmation retreat.
With only meeting 2 hours a month, candidates are challenged to continue learning, praying, and receiving the graces of God on their own time. Here enters the critical responsibility of the parents throughout the duration of this preparation program. Parents are responsible for making sure their son/daughter attends Mass weekly and frequents the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In addition to these practices, parents should implement prayer and scripture into their family routine. Prioritizing these spiritual disciplines at home will best prepare candidates to receive all that God desires to give them through their Confirmation.
Families with children entering 10th grade will be contacted during the summer and invited to register their sophomores into the Confirmation preparation program, which begins in September.
Families with 11th or 12th graders who have not yet been Confirmed should contact Samuel Obert. We will happily work with you and your teens to make sure they receive this important Sacrament.
✉ Email
journeytogether@xxxx.org