Sacramental Preparation for Youth

Initiation into the sacramental life of the Catholic Church is accomplished through the cooperative efforts of parents and parish programming. The preparation for the following sacraments is a two year process, which means simply that each Child must have attended one year of regular religious education classes before enrollment into the sacramental preparation, which includes workshops, meetings and a retreat in addition to regular religious education classes.

First Eucharist and First Reconcilation

Children in grades two or higher will begin preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist and First Reconciliation in the fall.  Parents attend an adult formation session and receive materials to work at home with their children throughout the school year.  Parents and children come together for a spring retreat on a Saturday morning to participate in First Reconciliation and then the Sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated during the Easter season.

Confirmation

A comprehensive two year program is included in the Middle School program at St. Anne’s.  In January of their second year of formation, a parent/candidate session is held to explain the final process with Confirmation celebrated in the fall of that calendar year.  In addition to the regular lessons, students are asked to participate in youth group activities designed to build community, participate in Christian Service projects, attend a spring candidate/sponsor session, experience a retreat, and be interviewed by a member of this faith community.  All these components teach how to live as a fully initiated Catholic Christian.