Sacraments

James 5:13-16: “Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

Reconciliation is celebrated usually in the second grade. This sacrament precedes receiving Holy Communion for the first time. (CCC 1457; NDC 36, B2; Canon 914). The Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation department coordinates the preparation and celebration of this sacrament for children both in the day school and the RE programs. The sacrament is celebrated as a parish community.

To receive this sacrament the child needs to have attained the age of discretion, which is usually around the age of seven or above; be baptized; be Catholic; be able to recognize the difference between right and wrong; and have the capacity for sincere sorrow.

A child is ready to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation when he/she is:

1. Aware that God loves unconditionally;
2. Understands that Jesus died for our sins;
3. Recognizes good and evil, or the capacity for both, and the importance of right choices;
4. And understands how to express sorrow for sins and the ability to offer forgiveness to others.
   
   

The preparation program includes activities that are completed at home and in the formal education setting of St. Isaac Jogues School or Religious Education program. Preparation for this sacrament is done usually during the fall months and the reception of the sacrament is usually before Christmas.

If your child is in a grade other than second, please contact the Director of Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation for more information.

John 6:32, 51-52: “Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say to you; Moses gave you not bread from heaven, but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven… I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is My Flesh, for the life of the world.”

First Communion is celebrated usually in the second grade. This sacrament follows the reception of First Penance. The Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation department coordinates the preparation and celebration of this sacrament for children both in the day school and the RE programs. The sacrament is celebrated as a parish community.

To receive this sacrament the child needs to have attained the age of discretion, which is usually around the age of seven or above; be baptized; be Catholic; made his/her first confession; be able to show reverence for God and consider Jesus a friend; and know how to participate in the Mass.

A child is ready to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist when he/she is:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of Christ and of the Paschal Mystery according to his or her ability;
2. Attends Sunday Mass with other family members (regularly);
3. Knows the basic prayers and prays daily;
4. Understands the difference between ordinary bread and wine and the Body and Blood of Jesus;
5. Demonstrates the correct way to receive the Body and Blood of Christ with reverence.
   
   

The preparation program includes activities that are completed at home and in the formal education setting of St. Isaac Jogues School or Religious Education program. Preparation for this sacrament is done during the winter months and the reception of the sacrament is usually celebrated in May.  If your child is in a grade other than second, please contact the Director of Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation for more information.

2 Cor 1:21-22: “But the one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.”

Confirmation is celebrated usually in the eighth grade. The Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation department coordinates the preparation and celebration of this sacrament for children both in the day school and the RE programs. The sacrament is celebrated as a parish community.

To receive this sacrament, the young person must be baptized, be Catholic, made his/her First Penance and First Communion, and be willing to make a personal commitment to the Catholic church as a disciple for Jesus.

The young person is ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation when he/she is:

1. Knows the doctrinal truths of the Catholic faith;
2. Attends Sunday Mass regularly;
3. Recognizes Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament and seeks to be nourished by the Body and
   Blood of our Lord
4. Prays each day and embraces Eucharistic Adoration
5. Able to talk and share with others (peers and adults) about the faith;
6. And utilizes their talents in service to God and others.
   
   

The preparation program includes activities that are completed at home and in the formal education setting at St. Isaac Jogues School or Religious Education program. The components of the preparation process include knowledge, prayer, service and witness. Preparation for this sacrament begins in 6th grade, continues in 7th grade, and into the fall of 8th grade. The sacrament is usually received before Christmas of 8th grade.
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Parents cannot be sponsors (either by birth, adoptive, or step-parents) and it is highly suggested that one of the baptismal Godparents assume the role of Confirmation sponsor, which supports the relationship between these two sacraments (Baptism and Confirmation).
A sponsor must:

• be close enough to the candidate so to have been supportive of his/her life so far;
• be a baptized Catholic who has received Eucharist and has been confirmed;
• Is a practicing Catholic who participates in the Mass every Sunday;
• Lives a good Catholic life;
• And is at least 16 years of age
  
  

If your child is in a grade other than eight, please contact the Director of Religious Education & Youth Faith Formation for more information.