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Sacrament Preparation

- first communion-grade 2
  
  "Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread."
  -Luke 24:35
  
  The First Holy Communion of a child marks a high point in the journey of Christian initiation. Every effort must be made in catechesis to help the communicant see First communion as the beginning of a Eucharistic life.
  -Many Gifts One Spirit SLFC 5
  
  Second graders attending Holy Family School are eligible to receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist through Holy Family Catholic Church and complete a majority of their preparation inside the school classroom if they have been Baptized into the Catholic Church and meet the following parish policies. If a child has not been Baptized into the Catholic Church then sacrament may be pursued through OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children).
- Parish Policies
  #1: The ordinary age for preparation for First Sacraments is seven years. The child must also be in the second grade or older. Furthermore, a candidate must have either attended Holy Family School or the Holy Family Religious Education Program during first grade (or the year prior).
  
  #2: Preparation for First Sacraments must be done in addition to ordinary religious instruction. Children must actively attend either Catholic school, or Holy Family's Religious Education classes. Parents of candidates must apply for First Rite of Reconciliation and First Eucharist for their children with the parish separately from Holy Family School registration.
  
  #3: In order to receive First Sacraments parents and children MUST attend all required classes and meetings or attend make-up sessions. Parent Classes and Workshops will take place in preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
practicing in the classroom
- confirmation-grade 7
  
  Confirmation enriches the baptized with the strength of the Holy Spirit so that they can better witness to Christ in word and deed (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], no. 1285). Anointed by the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, Christians strengthen their bond with the Church and become better equipped to carry out the Church’s mission of love and service.-United States Catholic Conference of Bishops
  
  The Sacrament of Confirmation...
  * welcomes us and deepens our belonging to the faith community
  * deepens our relationship to God, as Creator, Redeemer and Spirit
  * strengthens us as disciples
  
  Confirmation Candidate Requirements
  *Seventh Grade or Higher
  *Received the following sacraments: Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation
  * Register with the Youth Office
  *Individual Interview with Youth Minister
  *Must attend ALL Retreats and Meetings
  *Must desire to love & serve the Lord
  
  Sacramental preparation is needed for the final Sacrament of Initiation. Sacramental preparation for Confirmation is a two year program beginning in the sixth grade year or later. Holy Family School students may count their sixth grade classroom religion class as year one, but must attend parish Confirmation classes outside of school for the second year of preparation. Registration fee per youth is $50 per year, plus a retreat fee in the spring of the second year. A sponsor for each Confirmation candidate is required.