Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation and First Communion

The sacramental preparation program at Mount Saint Peter Parish is designed to assist parents in the preparation of their children for the celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation, First Communion and Reconciliation.

Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith.  They are assisted in their child's preparation by situating the parish sacramental preparation program within the family context.  Sacramental preparation includes Parent Formation Sessions, Retreats for Children and Parents, and Individual Family Meetings with a member of the Parish Staff.

Our Catholic School and parish religious education programs support the parish in helping to prepare children for the sacraments through on-going education and spiritual formation.

Parents prepare their children to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation through study and a retreat day based on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Children and their parents are invited to come to know Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who calls them by name, cares for their needs, and searches for them when they are lost.  The Good Shepherd also lays down his life for his sheep, so much does he love them.  In gratitude for this give of overwhelming love, children and parents prepare to celebrate this sacrament with an awareness of God’s great love, reflected in the gift of forgiveness, even when we sin.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation is usually celebrated first in the Season of Advent, a time when we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming.
 
Since the Church teaches that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, children and parents learn about how this Sacrament of Unity strengthens us to live as members of the Body of Christ.  Using the image of the vine and the branches, catechists help families to see how important it is to be firmly rooted in Christ, the true vine, so that the branches of our lives will bear the fruits of joy and gentleness, peace and patience, kindness, charity and self control. The celebration of First Communion takes place throughout the Easter Season at the regularly scheduled parish Masses.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation focuses on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Children and their parents are invited to claim anew these gifts of God’s love, first given in Baptism and confirmed again in the Sacrament of the Spirit.  Families learn to recognize and use in their daily lives these gifts of wisdom, understanding and knowledge, courage and right judgment, reverence and wonder and awe.   The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated according to the Bishop’s schedule.

Sacramental Formation Dates for 2009-2010
January 2010 Reminder to Parents
Sign up form for Eucharist sessions
Sign up form for Confirmation sessions
Name Registry