Sacramental Preparation
First Confession. Two years of religious education classes are required for this sacrament. The student knows the Confession prayers by heart. There is a parent-student meeting required for First Confession. First Confessions are scheduled on a Saturday, usually during Advent. After making their First Confession, students should be going to Confession during Advent and Lent each year.
First Communion. Two years of religious education classes are required for this sacrament. The student must have already made their First Confession. The student knows all the Mass prayers by heart, except for the Gloria and the Creed. There is a parent-student meeting required for First Communion. First Communions are scheduled at Sunday Masses during Easter time for those who are ready.
Confirmation. Eight years of religious education classes are required for this sacrament. Students may test out of some of these years by demonstrating their verbal proficiency in lessons one through seven of the Catechism of the Heart. Testing is done individually by a teacher, with a parent present. These tests may be repeated until the student knows these lessons by heart. There are two parent-student meetings required for Confirmation, in addition to a student retreat. A parish involvement experience, sponsor selection, saint name selection, and a faith statement are also required. Confirmations are scheduled by the diocese each year.