Sacramental programs prepare children and youth to receive specific Sacraments as part of their life as Catholics. Receiving Sacramental graces helps to strengthen our faith and helps us to grow in holiness. Sacraments of Initiation include Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. Additionally, children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. These Sacramental preparation programs run separately from regular grade level Faith Formation and Youth Ministry.

Families come to Faith Formation at different stages. As a general rule, families should expect their children to be actively participating in their second year of Faith Formation or Catholic school to be involved in Sacramental preparation.

Baptism

Baptism is the first Sacrament we receive at Catholics. Parents should contact the parish office to schedule. Preparation consists of two parent sessions. If your child is aged 7 years or older, preparation is more involved to include your child.

First Reconciliation (also known as Confession or Penance)

Children typically receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a Sacrament of Healing, for the first time in 2nd grade. First Reconciliation preparation consists of an initial parent meeting, the completion of a workbook at home, participation in a parent-child class, a rehearsal, and the celebration of the Sacrament.

Since the Sacrament of Reconciliation can and should be received frequently by Catholics throughout life, making it part of your family life of faith will help instill the importance of receiving God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness through the beautiful gift that God has given to us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Confirmation and First Holy Communion (Eucharist)

Children typically receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion at the same celebration in the 3rd grade. Preparation consists of an initial parent meeting, the completion of workbooks at home, participation at a parent-child class, a rehearsal, and the celebration. 

Building on Baptism, the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion complete the initiation into the Catholic Church. Since the Eucharist is the center of our lives as Catholics, children and their families should strive to make regular participation in the Mass a central part of their life of faith.

Children who attend Catholic school should prepare for and receive their Sacraments at their home parish. Please contact the office so we can plan for your child to prepare and put you on our contact list.

Adults who have not yet received Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Holy Communion are invited and encouraged to call the office to learn how to prepare to receive.

Baptism is the first sacrament we receive as Catholics. Anyone who has not yet been baptized and is interested in learning more should contact the parish office.

Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing. We are not perfect. God has given us the gift of His forgiveness and mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Receiving Reconciliation helps us to grow closer to God (sin is a roadblock to that relationship) and gives us the strength to try to do better. 

Children typically receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in 2nd grade. First Reconciliation preparation consists of an initial parent meeting, the completion of a workbook at home, attendance at a one-time parent-child session, a rehearsal, and the celebration of the Sacrament itself. 

Since the Sacrament of Reconciliation can and should be received frequently by Catholics throughout life, making reception of this sacrament part of our family life of faith will go a long way to instill the importance of receiving God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness through Reconciliation.

Registration for the First Reconciliation Program occurs before or at the initial parent meeting, held in October.

Program Dates for 2025-26 School Year:

• Parent meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the church hall
  • Learn about the preparation
  • Receive handouts and a work book to be completed at home
  • Please bring a copy of your child's baptismal certificate (if not baptized at OLM or previously turned in) and a $25 registration fee (payment may also be made online through the online giving link near the bottom on our homepage).
• Parent/child session on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 9:30am in the church hall (snow date is Sunday, January 11 at 11:30am)
• Rehearsal on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:00pm in the church (snow date is February 11 at 6:00pm)
• Celebration on Friday, February 13 at 6:00pm in the church (snow date is February 14 at 10:00am); all are welcome!

Children typically receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion (Eucharist) at the same celebration in the 3rd grade. Confirmation & First Communion preparation consists of an initial parent meeting, the completion of workbooks at home, attendance at a one-time parent-child session, a rehearsal, and the celebration itself.

Building on Baptism, the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist complete initiation into the Catholic Church. Since the Eucharist is the center of our lives as Catholics, children and their families should strive to make regular participation in the Mass a central part of their life of faith.

Registration for the Confirmation and First Eucharist Program occurs prior to or at the initial parent meeting, held in November.

Program Dates for 2025-26 School Year:

• Parent meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the church hall
  • Learn about the preparation
  • Receive handouts and work books to be completed at home
  • Please bring a copy of your child's baptismal certificate (if not baptized at OLM or previously turned in) and a $25 registration fee (new this year: payments may be made online through the online giving link near the bottom of our Homepage)
• Parent/child session on Saturday, March 28 at 9:30am in the church hall
• Rehearsal date TBD based on the celebration date, followed by a light reception celebration in the hall. All are welcome!
• Celebration date: TBD by the bishop's office

Baptized adults who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact the parish office.

Families come to faith formation at different stages. As a general rule, families should expect their children to be actively participating in at least their second year of regular faith formation or Catholic school to be involved in Sacramental preparation.

If your child is beyond the grades mentioned above and has not yet received the Sacraments, please contact the parish office and we will work with you and your family to develop a preparation plan for your child.

Congratulations! Couples preparing for Holy Matrimony should contact the parish office.
 

RCIA is the process for adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith with the possibility of becoming a Catholic themselves. One might be interested in taking part in the RCIA process if:

• If you would like to be baptized and become part of the Catholic faith
• If you are of another Christian denomination and are interested in becoming a Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith before making the decision to become Catholic
• If you are a Catholic who wants to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist

The RCIA process begins with several meetings called Inquiry Sessions. It is during the process of Inquiry that one has an opportunity to learn the basics of the Catholic faith, to ask any questions, and to reflect on whether one might like to continue the process of becoming a Catholic. Should the individual decide to become Catholic, we will continue to work with him or her through the rest of the process.

 Anyone interested in finding out more about RCIA is invited to contact the parish office.

Please call the parish office at 603-424-3757 with any questions. We are here to help support you and your family in living our Catholic faith!