The Church assists parents in handing on the Catholic faith to their children. Short (20 minute) weekly sessions form children to live the Christian life well. Sessions focus on the Gospel proclaimed at Sunday Mass and how it relates to the faith we profess (creed), celebrate (sacraments), live (morality), and offer (prayer). Weekly sessions incorporate videos, activities, presentations, and home assessments.
The Church accompanies youth as they strive to live the Christian life. Weekly gatherings help youth to form a community of faith through games, prayer, learning, and sharing. Retreats, youth conferences, and special events encourage youth to take part in the mission of the Church.
The Church assists parents in helping to prepare their children to make a good confession. Preparation takes place over a period of two years. Children and their parents attend Sunday Mass and weekly Family Faith Formation sessions. In their second year of preparation, two mandatory workshops are also required. Children then make their first confession at a special Penance Service.
The Church assists parents in helping to prepare their children to receive the Eucharist. Preparation takes place over a period of two years simultaneous with preparation for first Penance. Two mandatory workshops and a mandatory rehearsal are also required. Children then receive Holy Communion for the first time at a special Sunday Mass.
The Church accompanies youth as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation takes place over a period of two years. Youth attend Sunday Mass and weekly sessions. Two mandatory workshops, two mandatory retreats (one each year), mandatory service hours (15 each year), mandatory projects (sacramental records, saint biography, and letter to the Bishop), and a mandatory rehearsal are required. Proposed sponsors must meet Church requirements to qualify.
*Going to Mass on Sundays (worship) is at the heart of living the Christian life. It is part of the Third Commandment and a precept of the Church. It is what the Lord himself requires of his disciples. Therefore, it is required for all sacramental preparation programs. Sunday Mass is also offered on Saturday evenings (anticipated). Sunday Mass may be attended at any Catholic parish. Those in sacramental preparation are required to demonstrate that they are going to Mass either by signing in at the parish or by bringing a signed bulletin (by the priest) from another parish.