Sacramental Preparation for Children

Baptized children can receive the sacraments at age 7 (“the age of reason”), usually in their second-grade year.  

To prepare for the sacraments, a child must:

  • Be Baptized Catholic or other recognized denomination (a list of recognized denominations is available in the Parish Office)
  • Be a member of the parish at which he or she will be receiving the sacraments
  • Be at least seven years old at the time of reception of the sacraments
  • Participate in Faith Formation programming for two years leading up to First Eucharist.  For example, a child receiving the First Eucharist at the end of Second Grade must participate in Faith Formation in First and Second Grades.

Confirmation:  After two years of study by the Bishop and an advisory committee, Confirmation in the Saginaw Diocese has been moved to Middle School age. Details on the new program are still being worked out.  We will let you know when those details are finalized.

First Reconciliation: First Reconciliation preparation begins in October with a Parent-Child Session that includes family prayer, activities for kids, information for parents, and registration for the program.  Families may choose to attend either of the two dates for this event.  During October and November, families work together at home on their First Reconciliation books.  In early December, the children gather at church for their Reconciliation Jesus Experience Day when they participate in retreat-style activities and celebrate the sacrament.

First Eucharist:  First Eucharist preparation is similar to Reconciliation, with Parent-Child Sessions offered in February and early March, family bookwork at home during March, and a Eucharist Jesus Experience Day during April.

For more information about Sacramental Preparation, contact Corinne Cathcart.

Sacramental Preparation Calendar

Reconciliation Parent-Child Session (choose 1)

Saturday, October 14, 9:30a-12:00 pm OR
Sunday, October 22, 2:00-4:30 pm

Reconciliation Jesus Experience Day

Saturday, December 2, 9:00-12:00 pm

Eucharist Parent-Child Session (choose 1)

Sunday, February 25, 2:00-4:30 pm OR
Saturday, March 9, 9:30 am-12:00 pm

Eucharist Jesus Experience Day & First Eucharist Practice

Saturday, April 20, 9:00-12:00, with practice from 12:00-12:30

First Eucharist Mass during regular weekend Masses (choose 1)

May 4, 4:00 pm
May 5, 8:30 am
May 5, 11:00 am