St. Andrew Catholic Church - Sacramental Prep.

Sacramental Preparation

Overview and General Guidelines

Children in grades one through twelve.

The Diocese of Venice requires that the preparation for the Sacraments of First Eucharist (Communion) and Confirmation be two years when instruction is given in English or Spanish.

When a family member prepares to celebrate a sacrament it is the perfect opportunity to encourage spiritual growth for the whole family. It is presumed children are participating weekly in Sunday Eucharist with their family. It is also understood that the child's parent or guardian will participate in all the appropriate parent spiritual enrichment meetings planned for each sacrament.

The Sacrament of Baptism

Children who have reached the age of reason (7 years old or in first grade) must register and attend Faith Formation classes before the parish can respond to the parents' request for the Sacrament of Baptism. During this preliminary welcoming period, parents may contact the main parish office, 574-4545, requesting to initiate the process of asking for the Sacrament of Baptism for their child.

After a reasonable period of time, when the parents feel their child has sufficient knowledge, the parents should contact the Faith Formation Office. Once contacted, the Faith Formation staff will verify the child's readiness. The Faith Formation staff will notify the parents confirming the child's readiness and notify the main parish office of the child's readiness.

After receiving this notification, parents must contact the main parish office to complete the procedure of requesting the Sacrament of Baptism in accordance with parish guidelines. The Faith Formation staff will be happy to assist the parents, but does not oversee that the parish guidelines have been met.

The Sacrament of First Eucharist (Communion)

1st and 2nd graders prepare for two years prior to celebrating their First Eucharist by attending weekly classes.

Children in the 3rd grade through 8th grade, who are in need of preparation for First Eucharist, attend weekly "Prep" classes for two consecutive years. During the latter part pf the second year immediate preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and First Eucharist (Communion) will take place. These children will celebrate First Eucharist at the culmination of the second year.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

Baptized children prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the celebration of Eucharist.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

9th and 10th graders prepare for two years prior to the celebration of Confirmation by attending weekly classes.

High school teens who need preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism, together with their parents, will speak with the director. During this conversation a plan for their special journey will be made. High school teens who are already baptized and need preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist will, also speak with the director. Likewise, during this conversation a plan for their special journey will be made.

Children who attend catholic school and who are in need of sacramental preparation

Children who are baptized and who are in Grade 2 at St. Andrew School will be prepared for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in their religion classes.

Parents with children attending St. Andrew School who are not yet baptized, or in grades above Grade 2 who need preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist, should contact the Faith Formation Office (574-2411) to discuss and help design the most meaningful path of sacramental preparation for their child.

Children with special needs

Sometimes, parents with children with special needs are uncertain as to the spiritual path and possibility of sacraments for their child. These parents are encouraged to contact the Faith Formation Office (574-2411) to discuss and help design the most meaningful path of spiritual nurturing and of sacramental preparation for their child.