Religious Education for Children

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

Registration for Baptism


For more information contact Barbara Shenton, Religious Education Coordinator: bshenton@rcdvictoria.org

or 250-592-7391 ext. 208.



Rite of Christian Initiation For Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or RCIA is a program designed for:

  1. Adults who have been validly baptized in another Christian denomination and who now want to be received into the Catholic Church;
  2. Adults who have not been baptized as a Christian and would like to become a member of the Catholic Church;
  3. Adults who have not made a commitment to join the Church but who would like more information about the Catholic faith; and
  4. Adults who were baptized in the Catholic Church as children but who have not completed their initiation into the Church and have not received their First Communion and/or the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The program begins in September of each year and runs until the following Easter when those who have completed their initiation are formally adopted as full members of the Church.  


Anyone interested in finding out more about the RCIA program or obtaining information about becoming a Catholic should contact Father William Hann at 250-592-7391 or sppastor@rcdvictoria.org.