Sacraments in General The liturgical life of the Church revolves around the sacraments –“signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church” by which divine life is given to us and celebrated (NDC, 35). All sacraments are parish centered celebrations of God’s presence among us. Preparation for each sacrament is an opportunity for parents, pastors, catechist and parish communities to enhance their children’s spiritual journey.
As a norm, parishes offer sacramental catechesis that:
Integrates knowledge of the faith with living the faith
Is Trinitarian
Presents Christian life as a lifelong journey
Is appropriate to the age level, maturity and circumstances of those being catechized
Is for all members of the Christian community
Involves parents in the preparation of their children
Is integrated into the parish catechetical program
Focuses on symbols, rituals, and prayers in the rite for each sacrament
Enables children to reflect on the meaning of the sacrament through experience of mystagogia following the celebration.
Each parish may find it necessary to adapt certain directives for pastoral, parental or catechetical needs. It is understood that these adaptations must be done in the spirit and intent of the guidelines set forth in the National Directory for Catechesis.
Readiness To develop the necessary understanding of faith at a child’s particular age level a minimum of two full consecutive years of catechetical instruction is to precede the reception of sacraments. Religious readiness, not chronological age or school grade, will determine a child’s readiness to encounter Christ in a sacramental celebration
Faith Formation for Parents
Parents' Role Children’s preparation for the reception of the sacraments begins in the home. Parents have the right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for the celebration of the sacraments.
Faith Formation for Parents Pastors and parish catechetical leaders endeavor to enable parents to fulfill this privilege and obligation by proving support, faith formation sessions for parents, encouragement of active involvement in their child’s catechesis and full participation in the celebration of the liturgy.
Participation in a retreat day, provided by the diocese or the local parish, is a requirement for confirmation sponsors and parents of children and youth preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. The next Retreat days are listed below in English and Spanish.