Sacramental Celebrations

The reception of the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are an important part of your child’s initiation into the Catholic Church.  They are beautiful expressions of faith, and are to be prepared for and celebrated with sincerity of heart.  Your involvement as a parent or guardian is of special importance in helping to prepare your child to celebrate these sacraments and in continuing your child’s involvement in learning about their faith. 

Students must be attending faith formation classes or the parish school in order to begin preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.  And, it is our expectation the student will continue to take part in faith formation until high school when they will prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

First Reconciliation/First Holy Communion:  The Diocese of Madison has established second grade as the year to prepare for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation.  Parents and catechists work together as a team in the preparation of the children.  Parents will attend a special retreat for each of these Sacraments.  The Reconciliation retreat will be held in the fall, and the Eucharist retreat will be held in the winter. 

Confirmation:  Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in the freshman year of high school and continues throughout the sophomore year.  It is expected that students complete service hours and participate in a retreat experience.  The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in the fall of the junior year of high school.

Older Students for Eucharist, Reconciliation:  Parents of any older students who have not celebrated Eucharist or Reconciliation are asked to inform the Director of Faith Formation so that plans can be made for preparation for these sacraments.