For Reconcillation Preparation

For Confirmation Preparation

For Confirmation Preperation for children older than 7 years

For Eucharist Preparation

Unanimously approved by Bishop Deeley and the Presbyteral Council, beginning in the catechetical year of 2015-16, there will be a two-year formation process for children preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist, which will also include adult and family-based formation.  This policy applies to all parishes/clusters throughout the Diocese of Portland.

A message from Bishop Deeley:
“The participation of parents and families makes a difference in handing on the faith.  Preparing to receive three sacraments is a daunting task for children.  That is why I have approved the recommendation to implement a two-year preparation process for these sacraments.  This will provide the children with the time necessary to learn about and develop a relationship with God as they come to know him through Jesus, to learn their prayers, to understand and desire the sacraments, and to be involved in the church, particularly through regular participation at Sunday Mass.   Pope Francis recently reaffirmed this teaching:  “If family education rediscovers the pride of its leadership, many things will change for the better.  We hope that the Lord gives this grace to parents:  not to exile themselves from the education of their children.  And this can only be done with love, tenderness and patience.”  To form and inspire our young people in the faith, we must also focus our energies on involving parents...to nurture the faith of the parents themselves.”
(May 20, 2015)
 
In our own parish, we are readying to implement a vibrant and meaningful two-year formation, which will include adult faith formation.  Our staff and teachers are happy that our families and especially our children, need not be in a race to the sacraments but will be given the time to be more fully prepared and come eagerly to Jesus in the sacraments.   

Please carefully review the following description of our two-year process.
Two - Year Sacrament Preparation

• For baptized children who are age 6-11 (typically in grades 1-6) who have not received any formal faith formation, including children with special needs. Children will be placed in age-appropriate groups.
• For children who have already completed their first year of faith formation in our parish or at home as Kindergarteners, including children with special needs.
   

• For baptized children who are age 7-11 who have already completed one year of SPARK in our parish or at home, or a similar year in another Catholic parish, or who have completed Grade 1 in a Catholic school.  The children will be placed in age-appropriate groups.