regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation
See below for important dates regarding First Reconciliation,
First Eucharist, and Confirmation.
In a recent communication from Walter Sullivan, former Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, entitled "Called to Faith", we were given the required Diocesan policies for the sacraments of initiation and reconciliation. St. Andrew’s is in compliance with these general principles and policies that have been mandated. Participation in the sacraments is a shared responsibility of sponsors/mentors/catechists/parents...the church itself, the assembly of believers united in Christ. The following is a general overview of how this process occurs within our parish. In the event that your young person has not completed preparation and/or received a particular sacrament, and you are concerned, you should contact the assigned coordinator. It is your responsibility to contact these individuals for further instructions.
FIRST EUCHARIST
Since the Eucharist is central to a Roman Catholic's belief and practice, the preparation process is reflected practically by being a two-year program and process for both the child and his/her parent(s).
The program/process focuses on three major areas: Catechesis, Liturgical ritualization, and Community involvement. During the two years, the child is catechized both at home and by participating in faith formation sessions led by a member of the parish community. The parish also affirms and recognizes parents as the primary catechists of their children. To assist parents in this role and foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Eucharist, the parents participate in adult faith formation sessions. Additionally, the child participates in rituals designed to introduce the children to the riches of the Eucharist and the life of the Christian community. Finally, members of the parish faith community support the children through prayer.
Since it is a two-year program, children and parents will begin preparation in the child's first grade, with the celebration of First Eucharist and an opportunity to celebrate the rite of reconciliation at the end of the second grade. Child preparation in the first grade consists of active participation in the regular Christian Formation sessions or enrollment in the Catholic School religion classes. At second grade, all children who wish to receive First Eucharist must register at St Andrew’s for Sacramental Preparation Programs. This includes those students who attend the Catholic School.
POLICIES
In compliance with diocesan policies, the parish has the following policies.
1) The family must be active and registered members of St. Andrew's Church.
2) Children must be registered and attend the regularly scheduled formation sessions during both first and second grades. Please note the parish attendance policy: To be considered as having attended formation sessions, a child must have been present at least 80% of the scheduled sessions. (Example: 23 out of 29 scheduled sessions)
3) Parents must attend the scheduled Parent Formation sessions. Initial sessions with the parents coincide with the sessions with their children and their catechists. The parents are provided with materials and guidance to help them with their children’s formation at home.
4) At the second grade level, group sessions with the children and
their catechists are in addition to and distinct from the religious education programs provided by the parish or in the Catholic school.
RECONCILIATION
Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will emphasize that it is a ritual celebration used as a means of worship, and very much a part of their sacramental lives. The concept that Reconciliation is something to celebrate and thank God for is something that your children will appreciate and understand. They will learn to see the connection between the admission of human weakness and the praise for a forgiving and merciful Father who is always ready to welcome them back.
POLICIES
In compliance with the Richmond Diocese, the policies governing the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are the same as those used for the reception of First Eucharist. Preparation classes for Reconciliation must be completed before entering the Eucharist Program. According to the National Directory for Catechesis, “In the Latin Church, children must receive the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for the first time prior to their first reception of the Eucharist.”
CONFIRMATION
A faith development program for high school students is used for preparing those who are to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. The program is based on a theology that sees Confirmation as a sacrament of initiation intimately connected with the other two initiation sacraments, which are Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation is seen as a celebration of the process by which young men and women come to accept the gift of faith.
The catechetical basis for the program utilizes two of the fundamental principles of the National Directory for Catechesis:
1) Total catechesis always includes sharing in the faith-life of a community.
2) The entire parish community is responsible for the catechesis of its members.
POLICIES
1) The normal time for celebrating Confirmation in this diocese is at the conclusion of the eleventh grade.
2) The preparation for Confirmation extends over a two-year period. The first year of preparation is in the tenth grade or above and may be fulfilled by participation in the parish's Christian Formation program or a parochial school's religious program. The second year is normally in the eleventh grade. Attendance at Christian Formation sessions and Parochial School’s Religion Program, as well as the parish’s Confirmation program sessions are required to complete the year II process. Please refer to the Christian Formation calendar for specific dates regarding the Confirmation I and II process.
