Reconciliation and Eucharist

St. Mary’s Faith Formation Program, in following the Archdiocesan guidelines, offers preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (Holy Communion) to children in Grade 2 and older who are Catholic. (That is, children baptized in the Catholic Church or who have been received from another Christian tradition before age 7.)  Children should have had a year of prior religious education/faith formation instruction and attend Mass regularly before enrolling.

Children are required by Church law to prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before First Eucharist.

In order to participate, families must be registered AND actively participating parishioners of St. Mary’s. For children baptized as infants, preparation for the sacraments takes place through the parish and is in addition to their on-going faith formation, whether attending the parish Faith Formation program or a Catholic School. On-going formation should have already started before preparation for the sacrament, and continue the year of and beyond reception of the sacrament.  Children not attending a Catholic school must also register for and participate in the parish Faith Formation program.

These formative years are opportunities for the entire family to grow closer to Christ, to His Church, and to one another in truly meaningful ways. Be assured of our daily prayers for all families as you prepare to receive Jesus’ gifts of divine grace. It is a most joyous time for families when young people, upon completing their preparation, receive their sacraments!