The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration of God’s loving forgiveness.  Children usually prepare for this sacrament in second grade.  Preparation takes place with you and your child’s participation in the Faith Formation Program or St. John’s day school.  There are also special times and meetings which assist you in preparing your child for the reception of this sacrament.

First Reconciliation Schedule

All students that are registered for preparing for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation will have a Parent/Child meeting. Details regarding this program of preparation will be given out at the Parent(s) / Child Session. Contact Sr. Gretchen Krueger at 434-2417, ext. 204 for information regarding preparation and instructions.

Eucharist is the Family Meal of the People of God. It is the prayer of thanksgiving that unites us to one another through Our Lord. Sacramental Preparation should begin in your home. Some suggestions are:

• ... read the Gospel stories to your children
• ... attend Mass regularly as a family
• ... encourage your child to participate in Liturgy of the Word for children
• ... actively participate in the faith
• ... share your beliefs with your child

PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE PREPARATION FOR FIRST EUCHARIST

First Eucharist Schedule

PARENT(S) / CHILD SESSION: Explains the meaning of Eucharist & the parents role in preparing their child. This meeting is usually held in February. Parents are required to attend this Parent Meeting.

Parents whose children are in Grades 3-8 but have not received their First Eucharist should contact Sr. Gretchen Krueger at 434-2417, ext. 204 for information regarding preparation and instructions. .

High School Confirmation

The people begin their Confirmation preparation:

• usually when they are juniors in high school.  However, seniors do participate and are welcome.
• when they have attended formal Faith Formation classes at St. John the Baptist or a former parish for at least one year prior to the year they have received Confirmation.
• when Notre Dame Academy students fulfill their religious education requirements.

The program includes Sunday evening sessions that run from 7:00-8:15pm in the school.  The formal preparation program consists of:

• An information session for parents and youth
• The selection of sponsors
• A sponsor and candidate Information Session
• A special one-day Confirmation retreat sponsored by the parish
• Core content to be presented in formal classes
• One on one sponsor & Youth sessions using a booklet provided by the parish
• Selection of Confirmation name (may keep one's own)
• An interview with the confirmand by the Confirmation Coordinator or parish staff
• Letter of request by the confirmand to the Bishop
• A preplanned service project approved by the Confirmation Coordinator prior to service
• Completed Worship Notes from several Masses
• Practice for the actual celebration for both candidates and sponsor

2012-2013 Important Information and Forms

Contact Amy Koehler at 434-2417 Ext. 212

Adult Confirmation: Contact Marge Schiffer 434-2145, Ext. 214

The RCIA is for anyone who is not baptized or was baptized in another faith tradition and is interested in exploring the Catholic Fath. Contact Marge Schiffer 434-2145, Ext. 214

Baptism Class is held the last Thursday of each month. Call 434-2145 to register. Baptisms will be celebrated on Sundays at any Mass. It is celebrated more frequently during Easter Season and is not celebrated during the Lenten Season.

Please call 434-2145 to set up an appointment with Fr. John or Deacon Manny, eight months in advance.

Call 434-2145 to set up an appointment. Communal events as announced.