Sacraments and Sacramental Preparation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly known as confession, or the Sacrament of Penance, is open to children who are also preparing to receive their first Holy Communion.  The importance of becoming sensitive to right and wrong and making responsible choices begins at an early age.  Children are encouraged to form the habit of frequent  confession.

Preparation for First Reconciliation takes place in the context of 2nd grade religious education classes.  There must be evidence that the children participating have previously been involved in at least one year of religious education.

Parents of children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion are offered a series of classes which will help them participate actively in the sacramental catechesis of their children.  As a follow-up to receiving this sacrament, penance services are provided several times a year for the children, and the whole parish religious education program is designed to continue the process of conscience formation.

Following Baptism, this sacrament of initiation celebrates fuller participation in the Body of Christ, the Church, and allows those who have been baptized to become full participants in the Church’s liturgical life.  Sacramental preparation for our parish children receiving Jesus as Bread of Life, usually takes place in the 2nd year of their faith formation and requires at least one year of prior religious education.

For older children preparing to make their First Communion, RCIC classes (referring to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) are offered. The child is to be an active participant in a faith formation program - Catholic Shool or Religious Education

Children, as well as adults, of the parish are inculcated with the message that the Eucharist is “the source and summit” of the Christian life. 

Adults who have been baptized but have never received the Eucharist are enrolled in the parish RCIA program as a way of preparing for this vital next step in their sacramental life.

Confirmation is the third of the sacraments by which a Catholic is initiated into the practice of the faith.  At Saint Gregory the Great Church, preparation for Confirmation focuses the youth on strengthening their baptismal commitment and assuming responsibility for their own religious identity as Catholics.   Confirmation is a two year process, usually beginning in the seventh level with reception of the sacrament at the end of the  eighth level.   Preparation for Confirmation provides deeper catechesis in the faith to the parish’s youth and promotes their commitment to active, responsible membership in the adult worshiping community.  Scheduled  inter-generational sacramental sessions will be held throughout the year. Preparation for this sacrament requires not only attendance at these classes and Faith Formation Sessions  (PREP/School) but also the completion of  approved service projects  which tap and use the talents of the youth in this program.  A significant aspect of preparation for this sacrament is an understanding of how to live the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit actively.

Adults who are preparing to receive this sacrament enroll in the parish RCIA program.