Children’s Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental Preparation Year 1: First Reconciliation
2nd – 5th Grade
Beginning with Salvation History, students preparing to receive First Reconciliation are introduced to the plan of God’s mercy which culminates in the redeeming work of Christ. We use the Word of Life curriculum to help the youth understand sin and the need for grace, God’s merciful love, be introduced to the Rite of Reconciliation, and be able to make an examination of conscience. In addition to weekly classes, a unique retreat in the Spring allows the youth to become more comfortable with the act of confession and be confident in God’s love and mercy.
6th – 12th Grade
We begin with a walk through of Salvation History using the Bible Timeline Encounter and Venture from Ascension Press, which brings youth into the great story of God’s redeeming work. We then follow a program based on the YouCat series, which teaches youth the Rite of Reconciliation and the importance of prayer. Youth are given more understanding of God’s love in Salvation History, Christ’s Redemptive work on the Cross, the 10 Commandments, and how to make a good examination of conscience. Most importantly, students will learn of the divine mercy of God, a gift they will receive in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Sacramental Preparation Year 2: Confirmation and First Holy Communion
3rd – 5th Grade
We use the Word of Life curriculum which prepares children to be strengthened and nourished in the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist. Students learn about the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, befriend their Confirmation Saint, and learn about the beauty of the liturgy, with an emphasis on the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of our Catholic Faith. In addition to classes there is a Spring retreat, which further catechizes and deepens the faith of the youth and is designed for the youth to learn more about the sacraments they are receiving.
6th – 12th Grade
We use a combination of the Chosen: Your Journey to Confirmation series and the Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Explained series, to prepare youth to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Collectively, these resources allow the youth to dive ever deeper into the mysteries of their Catholic Faith, discover how they can live out the teachings of the Gospel, and become equipped to share their faith with confidence. In addition to classes there is a Spring retreat, designed for the youth to learn more about the sacraments they are receiving.
Baptism for Older Children
Infants – Age 6
Children six years old and under are received into the Catholic Church through infant baptism. Preparation for this sacrament is required of both the parents and Godparents. Please fill out this form or contact our parish office at 303-781-6093 to arrange for your child to receive the sacrament of Baptism.
Ages 7 – 17
Children seven and older are received through the Order of Initiation of Children who have reached Catechetical Age. Following the norms stipulated by the USCCB National Statutes for the Christian Initiation of Adults in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), this is a two-year program in which children will gradually be evangelized, catechized, and prepared to receive their sacraments of Christian Initiation. Beginning with their first year, Children will be enrolled in an age-appropriate class that will introduce them to the Most Blessed Trinity, Scripture, the Liturgy, Prayer, the Saints, and the fundamentals of our Catholic Faith.
In their second year, children will continue to grow in their relationship with God and the Catholic Church by preparation to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil. Youth preparing to be Baptized will need to select a Godparent and Sponsor, ideally the same person. After they enter the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil, youth will continue their formation through mystagogy, an ancient Christian practice which further deepens their understanding of the Catholic Faith and additionally prepares them to receive First Reconciliation soon after the Easter Vigil.