Sacraments
First Reconciliation & First Communion
In second grade your child will grow in their Catholic faith as they take great steps by first, making the sacrament of Reconciliation, which is celebrated in the winter, and second, their Holy Communion which is received by second graders in the spring. We use a variety of materials to prepare your child for this experience. Each child must have their Baptismal certificate turned into the office. If your child was baptized at Saint Zachary parish the office does not need a copy of the certificate, however the office does need the date of the baptism. Parents are expected to attend sacramental meetings to help prepare their child for these sacraments.
Confirmation
Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation starts in the spring of the candidates seventh grade year. A meeting is held explaining the service hours needed and the family faith project.
The family faith project is a study guide of 100+ questions to be answered by the candidates and their family.
The candidates need 20 service hours as part of the requirements. They also need to complete the faith project.
In eighth grade the candidates continue working on their service hours.
There is a meeting in early fall explaining the need to participate in a retreat arranged by the Director of Religious Education and school principal. Also a packet of forms to be completed is given at this time.
The candidates will take a test of their faith project. They will also begin working on developing their answers for their interviews which take place close to the date of Confirmation. At their interviews the candidates will be asked different questions about their faith. The candidates need to show confidence and be able to convince the interviewer that they are ready for Confirmation.
The candidates also have to write a personal reflection expressing what they learned about themselves while completing their service hours.
Confirmation is the last of the initiation sacraments. Receiving Confirmation allows the candidate to become a full member of the Church.
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