Sacramental Preparation

Preparing for and receiving Sacraments in the Catholic Church is an important commitment. It is a commitment shared by the person receiving the Sacrament, parents and family, local catechists, staff and clergy, as well as the wider Church. And since this commitment takes place in the context of a community of faith, the local parish, it is an important and on-going relationship. In order to help deepen our relationships with one another as a parish community, St. Mary Parish expects that parishioners (households) be registered and actively participating in parish life as part of the preparation for receiving the Sacraments.

As a means of assisting everyone to have a deeper relationship within the local parish, at a minimum, it is important that members of a household be registered and participating in the weekly Eucharist (Mass) and volunteering at the parish for at least three months prior to beginning catechesis for Baptism; six months prior to beginning catechesis for the reception of First Reconciliation (Penance)* and First Eucharist*; and a year prior to beginning preparation for receiving the sacraments of Confirmation** and Marriage**. Each of these intervals allows us to get to know one another and to form and educate members of our parish community appropriately and well for the worthy reception of the Sacraments, which are expressions of our faith and outward signs instituted by Christ to give Grace.

*A full year of catechesis and preparation is needed. If a child is attending an accredited Archdiocesan Catholic School, it is presumed that preparation has been a regular part of the curriculum.
**Additional guidelines are available for the preparation and reception of these Sacraments.