Sacramental Preparation

God desires more than anything to give us his life – His very life is received through the 7 Sacraments.  A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.  The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are traditionally received during the 2nd grade year (although older children and adults also receive these sacraments each year).  The Sacrament of Confirmation is Traditionally received in the 8th grade year.  Below is information about Sacramental Preparation at Church of the Ascension.

The Role of Parents:

• The faith formation of children and their preparation to celebrate thesacraments is primarily the responsibility of parents. Father Andrew, as pastor, faith formation coordinators, catechists and the parish community share this responsibility and assist parents to bring their child to the fullness of a life of discipleship through prayer, support, formal catechetical programs and preparation processes.
• Parents prepare their children for sacraments by first serving as an example through their own regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, their own modeling of prayer and service, and their active participation in the life of the parish community.
• Parents have the privilege, right and responsibility to be intimately involved in preparing their children for sacraments.
• Parents are expected to attend parent sessions so that their ability to participate in the preparation of their child to receive the sacrament is enhanced.

 First Reconciliation & First Eucharist Preparation  

Preparation for a child’s First Holy Communion is 2 years.  Children are to be registered in School of Religion one yearprior to their reception. For most child this means being in 1st grade classes prior to their 2nd grade year.

Preparation for Reconciliation and First Eucharist includes:

• Weekly attendance at Sunday Mass
• Attendance and active participation at weekly class.
• Participation in sacramental preparation sessions (Forgiveness Day and Jesus Day)
• Completion of parent/child home assignments
• Providing a copy of the child’s Baptismal certificate (if not baptized at Ascension)
• Participation in parent/child rehearsals
• All candidates who have received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are encouraged to continue receiving the Eucharist weekly and to receive the Lord’s gift of forgiveness when needed (a few times a year is recommended)

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a gift of the Holy Spirit which confirms our initiation in Christ which began at Baptism and calls us to be witnesses of Christ’s life and love.  It also completes the Sacraments of Initiation.  It is the beginning of the next step in ones spiritual journey.

2 Year Program

We have a two year preparation Program for all candidates preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Students must have completed Year I (traditionally 7th grade School of Religion) before entering into Year II (S&L).

Year I Confirmation

Students in Year I will show their readiness by doing the following:

1. Attend Weekly Classes from September – May
2. Complete any assignments given in class.
3. Perform 10 Service Projects (Stewardship Activities).

Each of these components are signs of their readiness to move forward in their Confirmation Journey.  If one is unable to complete the above mentioned they will need to repeat Year I.

Stewardship Reflection Sheet1

Year II Confirmaiton (S&L):

Completion of the things mentioned above are what we consider “signs of readiness” for Confirmation.  It is important that each of these are completed and each candidate participates in each aspect of our program in order to be ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

 

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