Sacramental Preparation

“It is in the family that children, from the tenderest age, can learn to perceive the
meaning of God, also thanks to the teaching and example of their parents: to live in an atmosphere marked by God’s presence.”   --Pope Benedict XVI

Please call the Office of Catechetics & Family Life for more information. (603) 622-4615 

Overview of Sacramental Prep

Our Diocese follows the Restored Order of Sacraments. Preparation for Sacraments spans three-years so we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the process. Children generally begin the pre-sacramental preparation at age 5 or 6 depending on their maturity level and family faith life.
•    The First year of preparation is a pre-sacramental year and lays the foundation
•    the Second year of study prepares them for the Sacrament of Confession
•    the Third year of study prepares them to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of First Eucharist.
 

General Norms for Sacramental Preparation

First and foremost, preparation for the Sacraments begins with the regular practice of the faith  by the family. The very necessary minimum for prayer and moral effort for all the faithful is defined as:

                      The Precepts of the Catholic Church

1. Attend Mass on Sundays & Holy Days of Obligation and rest from servile labor,
2. Confess one’s sins in Confession at least once a year,
3. Receive the Eucharist at least once a year during Eastertime
4. Observe the days of fasting and abstinence as defined by the Church, and help to provide for the needs of the Church through stewardship

                                                                              (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2041-2043)   

In order to enroll in Sacramental Prep one must have completed at least six(6) months of Family Faith Formation, attend Catholic School or homeschool  ( For Catholic schools or homeschoolers please let us know the catechetical curriculum being used.)        

***PLEASE NOTE    
Our Sacramental Program is family-based.  Parents receive instruciton and the lessons are completed at home with your children for each Sacrament.
 

• Parents are required to attend one parent meeting whcih covers all three Sacraments.  At this meeting parents will receive a teaching and the materials which include a Teacher's Guide and Student Workbook.
• The materials are laid out and will guide you through each lesson with your child.
• The work is to be completed with parent and child which will be reviewed before the child moves on to preparation for the next sacrament.

Year I – Pre-Sacramental Year

•   You will complete God’s Road Map book (12 lessons) with your child.(books received in Fall)
•   Child also required to be enrolled in Catholic School, Catholic Homeschool or Families Formed in Christ (with family)

Year II – Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

• You will complete the Sacrament of Reconciliation book (12 lessons) with your child. Books received in early Spring at the end of year 1
• You will attend a Reconciliation Retreat with your child (generally in late Winter/early Spring. Date will be announced well in advance)
• You will take your child to a regularly scheduled Confession time to make his/her First Confession.
• Inform the Office of Catechetics & Family Life that your child has made his/her first confession.

Year III - Preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist

• You will complete two books with your child

           --  Books received in early Spring at the end of year 2
               The Sacrament of Confession (12 lessons)
                The Sacrament of Eucharist (12 lessons)
 

• You will attend a Confirmation/First Communion Retreat with your child.
• Your child will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist at a Mass scheduled and presided by the Bishop.
• We will inform you of a date as soon as we receive it from the Diocese.  We expect that it will be in late winter/early spring each year.

***We want you to have the fexibility to complete the work on a schedulethat works for your family. Many families shoose to work on their Sacramental Prep materials suring the summer so they have a bit less to do during the school year.
 

     The Sacramental Prep registration page click here