Children are invited to grow in and learn about their faith here at St. Patrick’s in a variety of ways. We offer preparation for First Confession, the Sacraments of Initiation and ongoing Catechism. We meet weekly to explore the Bible with the Sunday Readings and learn about these sacraments.. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child on this life long Journey of Faith! During COVID times we have been gathering on-line for these activities/lessons.
Sacramental Preparation classes begin in September and follow through the liturgical year until the Easter season. There is a two-year process to prepare for Confession, Confirmation, & First Eucharist. In YEAR I we prepare for Confession and in YEAR II we prepare for Confirmation and The Eucharist.
PREPARATION FOR THE SACRAMENTS
Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion are the three sacraments of initiation. Confirmation and First Communion can be received when a person is in grade three at school and has already received the sacrament of Confession, which usually happens in grade two.
CONFESSION
Confession is also known as the sacrament of reconciliation, penance or healing. Children (at about grade two) who are able to understand right from wrong, learn that before we receive Holy Communion we need to receive God’s forgiving love for those times that we have not loved Him as we should. It is just as it is with a friend or family, before we share a meal we make sure that all is well in our relationship.
CONFIRMATION & FIRST COMMUNION
The Diocese of Victoria follows the Restored Order of the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, where children are first Confirmed and then receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Preparation for each of these sacraments takes 6-8 weeks. We meet once a week on Sunday mornings before Mass for 45-60 minutes. During COVID times we have been meeting on-line. Parents are asked to attend these classes with their child.
Click links here for forms:
Registration for Sacramental Preparation
For more information contact Barbara Shenton, Religious Education Coordinator: bshenton@rcdvictoria.org
or 250-592-7391 ext. 208.