Religious Formation > Sacramental Preparation for Youth

Sacramental Preparation for Youth

An important part of the religious formation of our youth is to prepare them to receive the Sacraments appropriate for their age. The following topics cover the formal programs offered to meet this objective:

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

Conscience formation is studied at all grade levels. The religious education program offers individual confessions for students in grades three through nine during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Parents are encouraged to receive the Sacrament with their child during the rest of the year when the Sacrament of Reconciliation is normally offered to the parish.

First Confession

Students are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confession in the second grade. The Sacrament is received prior to the reception of the student's First Holy Eucharist. Parents are expected to attend a parent meeting and a retreat with their child in anticipation of this Sacrament.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

Children who have completed first grade religious education (or equivalency) will be catechized for the celebration and reception of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist upon entering the second grade. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received prior to the reception of First Eucharist.

Age appropriate instruction is provided to lead children to an understanding of the Church’s teachings about the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.  This includes classroom instruction, retreats and parental involvement.  The Pastor determines whether a child is sufficiently prepared and has the right intention for the reception of First Eucharist based on information given from the Catechist and the religious education staff.  

The parish also offers instruction to parents who have children preparing for the reception of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.  These parent meetings are provided to assist you in fulfilling your primary role for nurturing the faith of your child.  It is very important that you attend.  There will be 2 meetings, one before each sacrament.

Verification of the child’s baptism must be received prior to receiving First Eucharist.  If your child was baptized in a Christian denomination other than Catholic, they must make a profession of faith prior to receiving First Eucharist.

2010 - 11 Parent Meeting, Retreat,
& Sacrament Celebration Dates

Reconciliation and First Eucharist Parent Meetings
First Confession Parent Meeting	October 17, 18 & 19 - during class
First Eucharist Parent Meeting	January 9, 10 & 11 - during class
Sacramental Retreat Dates
First Confession Retreat	Saturday, November 13, 9 am - 12 noon
First Eucharist Retreat	Saturday, May 7, 2011, 9 am - 12 noon
Sacramental Celebrations
First Confession	November 28, 29, 30 - during class

First Holy Communion

May 14 & 15, 2011 - Families select which Mass they attend

Sacrament of Confirmation

Upon entering the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, youth are expected to have completed the following:

1.       Reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist.
2.       Religious Education through eighth grade (or equivalency.)
3.       To be a registered member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel or at an area Parish.

Teens entering the Confirmation Program will be expected to:

1.       Discern this is his/her own choice to be confirmed.
2.       Attend an orientation meeting with the parent.
3.       Attend weekly Mass.
4.       Attend ALL scheduled preparation programs, including retreats.
5.       Participate in a ministry program.  During this time the candidate will be actively involved in various parish and community activities learning about ministry to others first hand.  If the ministry is not completed the candidate could be asked to delay reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The Pastor will determine whether the student is sufficiently prepared and has the right intention for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation based on information given from the Catechist and the religious education staff.

Special Dates for Confirmation Students
Confirmation Retreat: TBA
Confirmation Rehearsal: TBA
Sacrament of Confirmation: TBA

For more information on the Confirmation program contact Mrs. Kelly Schmidt at 734-847-1725, ext 22 or email Kelly.