Adapted Sacramental Prep
General Information
The majority of children enrolled in our Religious Education program have already been baptized in the Catholic Church and begin their formal religious education in First Grade. In the Spring of their Second Grade year, they celebrate their First Reconciliation and in the Spring of their third year of religious education they celebrate their First Eucharist. Due to various special family circumstances some children require an adapted sacramental preparation program. This adapted program is for children Age 6 years through Grade 6 who are enrolled in the St. John Religious Education Program and are in need of one or more of the following:
• Preparation for and celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism
• Preparation for full communion in the Catholic Church (Baptized Christian but not Catholic, requiring a Profession of Faith)
• Preparation for and celebration of First Reconciliation
• Preparation for and Celebration of First Eucharist
The extent of the sacramental preparation program will be tailored to each individual family and child after interviews with the program director. The program includes emphasis on the family becoming active in our Catholic Community by registering as parishioners, participating with us at weekly Sunday Mass, weekly participation of the child in religious education classes with their peers, participation in family meetings including completion of supplemental home instruction programs, and involvement in parish ministries (service projects) and social activities. After successful completion of the first phase (usually a year) of the program, children will be assessed to determine if they are ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism and/or to begin Phase II of the program. Parents of children deemed ready to celebrate Baptism must attend a Baptismal preparation class with the child’s Godparent before celebration of the sacrament.
Children Age 6 through Grade 2 who are in need of Baptism will generally celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism after completing Phase I and before Celebration of First Reconciliation in the Spring of Grade 2.
Parents and Godparents of these children will be expected to attend a Baptismal Preparation class. These children will be eligible to celebrate their First Eucharist after successful completion of Third Grade religious education classes.
Phase II of the program for children in Grades 3-6 typically involves one more year of participation in those activities introduced in Phase I along with specific preparation for celebration of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in the Spring of the second year. On rare occasion and in consultation with the Pastor, some Phase II children in need of Baptism may take part in the Easter Vigil where the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist will take place with celebration of First Reconciliation later in the Spring.