SACRAMENTS
What are the Sacraments?
There are Seven Sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
"The Sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, buy which divine life is discpensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacramnets are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1131).
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At St. Edward, St. George and St. Isidore's Parishes, we take a readiness-based approach to sacraments. Students who are preparing for sacraments should be registered and active members of the parish, be enrolled in Faith Formation.
If your child is age 7 or above and is not baptized, or baptized but has not consistently participated in faith formation, please email the Director of Religious Education, Keely Meinecke to inquire about the OCIA ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS process.
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First Reconciliation and First Communion
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First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation at St. Edward, St. George, and St. Isidore Parishes is readiness-based. Students who are preparing for Reconciliation and First Communion must be enrolled in Faith Formation.
Active participation is expected in both the parish and Family Faith Formation while preparing for any Sacrament. This includes active participation in formal catechesis for grades K-12, Family Faith-sharing sessions, and parents attending Adult Faith Formation opportunities. Families who bring forward their children for sacrament preparation are expected to be active, practicing Catholics, who participate in a sacramental life through regular participation in confession, weekly Mass attendance, and support of the parish through time, talent, and/or treasure, as well as consistent enrollment in Faith Formation.
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As parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith, the Catholic faith is expected to be modeled and lived out in all aspects of family life. Our faith is meant to be truly lived, not just going through the motions. Republic County Catholic Parishes are here to support you in your mission as primary educators and will provide opportunities for adult catechesis for you to take part in. Please note that while it is wonderful for grandparents and godparents to be involved in the Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation process, parental involvement is a necessity and information regarding sacrament preparation will only be provided to parents directly.
***If your child is above the age of 7 and is not baptized, baptized in another faith outside of the Catholic Church, or baptized Catholic but has not consistently participated in Faith Formation, then the OCIA Adapted for Children process will be where your family is directed towards.
Confirmation
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Confirmation preparation at St. Edward, St. George and St. Isidore is readiness-based. Students must be enrolled in general Faith Formation classes, and Confirmation preparation takes place as part of the youth ministry process, with additional components aimed at preparing both parents and students. Active participation is expected in Family Faith Formation while preparing for any Sacraments.
Parents and students are expected to attend additional parent/child meetings and sessions to prepare for each sacrament, along with preparing for these sacraments at home.
Teens are ready to prepare for this sacraments if:
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Baptized and able to renew baptismal promises
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Open to receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit
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Have received their First Communion, are participating in the Sunday Mass and in the sacramental life of the Church. (Adults and adolescents (MS & HS) who have not received First Communion will be catechized through the OCIA process with age appropriate catechesis.)
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Have consistently participated in their faith through active learning (Faith Formation) and living a life in line with Catholic values (it is expected that there are no large "gaps" in Faith Formation attendance.
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Are willing to commit to active involvement in the parish Confirmation preparation process
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Are willing to continue to grow in faith following Confirmation and throughout their lifetime.
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Questions, Please Contact:
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PleaseContact:
Keely Meinecke
Director of Religious Education
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Father Ryan McCandless
Pastor
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