2025 Policy for Sacramental Preparation for Children
Effective August 1st, 2025
• The sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace, and it is essential that the children of our parish receive them at the appropriate time in their faith formation.
• Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring their children are properly prepared and receive the sacraments at the designated times.
• Children preparing for the sacraments must be able to speak and understand Englishto participate in the parish program. If they are not yet ready, preparation may need to be delayed until the following year. However, they should still attend faith formation classes this year. Families who prefer to prepare their children at home may request approved materials from the parish. Please speak with the Director of Religious Education (DRE) to learn more about this option.
• Baptism is usually received as an infant. Children age 7 or older who need Baptism will receive Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. These children must regularly attend faith formation classes for their grade level and participate in all required sacramental retreats.
• First Communion is ordinarily received in 2nd grade, and Confirmation in 5th grade. Older children preparing for either sacrament must regularly attend grade-level faith formation classes and participate in a half-day retreat for each sacrament. If they do not attend the required retreats, the sacraments will be postponed until the following year.
• Children must be enrolled in the parish sacramental preparation program before the end of September. Late enrollment will not be permitted.
• Parents providing faith formation at home must meet with the DRE by the end of September to discuss sacramental preparation. If this meeting does not take place, preparation may be deferred to the following year.
• Families who move into the parish mid-year must provide documentation showing that their children were actively participating in religious education at their previous parish. If not, sacramental preparation will be postponed until the following year.
• Children must regularly attend all religious education sessions as directed by the DRE. A parent, guardian, or designated adult must also attend all required parent meetings.
• Parents/guardians must inform the DRE or catechist of any absences. A valid reason must be given, and the child must complete any work missed.
Repeated unexcused absences may result in the postponement of the sacrament to the following year.