| We do this with the understanding that "each of us does the work that the Lord gave us to do: some will plant the seed, others will water the plant, but it is God who will make the plant of faith to grow." (I Corinthians 3-5) |
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Sacrament Readiness/Preparation
Parents are the first and primary educators of their children. They have the responsibility of participating in the sacrament preparation of their children. This includes attendance at all parent meetings for sacrament preparation.
In preparation for the sacraments of First Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation: Reception of these sacraments will be delayed until preparations are completed. If preparation is incomplete, then discernment and readiness cannot be evaluated. Per current diocesan guidelines, children in Catholic schools receive sacrament preparation instruction within the parish.
First Communion: At St. George's, the period of preparation for First Communion is the first and second grade. Therefore, it is very important that parents attend both first and second grade parent meetings. Even if you have had children in second grade before, in view of this year's new parent formation program, we encourage you to attend all meetings. These meetings will make your child's first communion more meaningful and enriching for you, as well as for your child. Catholic school children are invited to attend classes or do homestudy during the time of immediate preparation, namely January through May of second grade.
First Reconciliation: Parents have a primary role in helping their children form a Catholic conscience. Required parent meetings are designed to help parents review their understanding of conscience, sin and reconciliation in order to carry out their responsibility of preparing their children for the First Reconciliation. Catholic school children are required to attend classes or do homestudy during the time of immediate preparation, namely January through March of fourth grade.
Special Needs: Materials are available for in-home religious instruction and preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation. Please call the Religious Education office for further information. Anyone with special needs is invited to participate in the class Masses, and prepare for the sacraments. Call the office for appropriate sacrament preparation materials.
Confirmation: Immediate preparation for Confirmation takes place during the second semester of 11th grade. The class schedule and other information will be in a separate mailing from the Confirmation Coordinator. The RCIA Program is designed for adults who have not made their Confirmation in high school. The Confirmation date for both 11th grade and additional adults will be announced. During Confirmation, candidates reaffirm their baptismal promises and commitment to the Catholic Church. The discernment process includes discussion with family, catechetical leadership or the Confirmation Team and parish community. Parents and the whole parish community are asked to support and encourage the candidate's faith journey through example and prayer. A prerequisite to reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is attendance at weekly Sunday Mass. The Mass is the community prayer that distinguishes us as a Catholic Community!