Sacramental Programs
| Confirmation | |||
Meeting Jesus through the sacramental experience is a precious moment in the life of any child, along with the family. A great effort is made, to provide opportunities, we hope will open the heart of a child to the presence of God in the sacraments. Parents, catechists, and staff work together to plan and execute the settings for these encounters. Sacramental celebrations are held for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation.
The celebration of any sacrament may take place WHENEVER THE PARENTS DECIDE that the family is READY. "Ready" means that:
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- The FAMILY has over the years prepared the child by their own joyful participation in weekly Mass, by loving service to others, and by their own attempts to pray, study the Scriptures, and live out Jesus' commands in their work, family, and leisure life.
- The child has participated in formal religious instruction – two FULL school years of CONSISTENT weekly participation (plus four weeks of special instruction, if necessary) before First Communion. Four weeks of special instruction – within or in addition to the consistent weekly attendance - for First Reconciliation
- Participation in one Child and Parent Sacramental Retreat.
At St. Raphael Parish, most families choose to celebrate First Eucharist in grade two. First Eucharist can be celebrated whenever the child knows the difference between ordinary bread and the Body of Christ. Because all the families and their children constitute one parish, both parochial and public school celebrate together.
Families who want to celebrate as a family rather than as a class are welcome to do so by arranging the details with the Director of Children's Ministry. Families whose child will celebrate in a grade other than two are also welcome to do so - preparatory sessions are held specifically for such children; they may celebrate at the same solemn celebration as the grade two class or as a family at a specially arranged Sunday celebration. The desire for such preparation and celebration may be expressed to the Director or simply indicated on the registration form. Before a child celebrates, parents are expected to attend the required parent and child sacramental retreat. A copy of each child’s baptism will be collected at the parent and child First Eucharist retreat. See Schedule.
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Students in the second grade are beginning to understand and experience some moral decision-making. The need for and the joy of Reconciliation is becoming real in their lives. Because all the families and their children constitute one parish, both parochial and public school students celebrate together. Before a child celebrates, parents are expected to attend the required parent and child sacramental retreat.
Families who want their child to celebrate in a different grade are welcome to do so by arranging the details with the Director of Children's Ministry by October. Preparatory classes are held specifically for such children; they may then celebrate with the grade three children or at a special time arranged for that family. See Schedule.
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Confirmation is typically celebrated in the junior year of high school when all requirements are met. The requirements through the High School Youth Ministry program (YM) are as follows:
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- 2 year participation in the YMSCC (Youth Ministry Small Christian Community)
- 1 weekend retreat
- Large Group Confirmation Sessions
