Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Sacramental Preparation
Typically, children who are in second grade receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Preparation is done during the Winter and Spring months.
However, for Confirmation, it is a two-year program beginning in 8th grade.
Th Diocese requires at least one (1) full year of Faith Formation classes before starting any Sacramental Preparation.
First Reconciliation:
Celebration of First Penance is to precede the celebration of First Eucharist. Parents are to be intimately involved in preparation for a child’s first reception of the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation.”(Policies for the Administration of the Sacraments, Bishop Salvatore Matano, #5.2.1, 5.2.2)
First Communion:
According to the Policies for the Administration of the Sacraments from Bishop Salvatore Matano (#2.2), “Ordinarily, candidates for First Penance and First Eucharist have participated in regular religious education or attended Catholic schools for the year preceding enrollment for preparation for First Eucharist. “(In other words, these children were part of a formal first grade faith formation experience.) Candidates for First Eucharist will have made sacramental confession before receiving this Sacrament in accordance with canon 914 of the Code of Canon Law. Candidates are to have the use of reason, which is canonically presumed at age seven.”
Preparation for First Penance/ Reconciliation begins in the Fall. Preparation for First Communion begins in early spring. We provide materials and retreats to help parents and children to prepare to receive these Sacraments. For Nativity, please contact Megan Altenritter (585) 637-4500 or megan.altenritter@dor.org OR Sandy Schicker (585) 964-8627 or sandra.schicker@dor.org for SEAS if you would like to sign your child up for Sacramental Preparation.
