Parents are the primary educators of their children. Faith Formation walks alongside parents of both parish and school children, especially as families prepare for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, with preparation resources, parent and child meetings, and retreats. The celebrations themselves take place within the parish liturgies: First Reconciliation in the fall, and First Eucharist on a weekend after Easter.
Parents register their child to begin sacramental preparation. That registration happens together with Faith Formation registration, typically in the spring for classes beginning the following fall.
The community of St. Therese invites families with children entering second grade or older to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of forgiveness and healing, traditionally celebrated in second grade before First Eucharist. Preparation begins with a parent-only session, where parents receive catechetical materials for at-home study with their child through the fall months, along with an overview of current Catholic teaching and practice of the Sacrament. When the at-home study is complete, parents and children take part in a Saturday morning retreat for further learning and sharing. Contact: firstreconciliation@st-therese.org.
Families with children entering second grade and older are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. First Eucharist, or First Communion, is traditionally celebrated in second grade. Parents support their children’s preparation most of all by regularly attending weekend Mass together. Preparation begins with a parent-only session and catechetical materials for at-home study through the late winter, followed by a Saturday morning retreat and a rehearsal before children receive Holy Communion for the first time. Contact: firsteucharist@st-therese.org.
Uninterrupted, ongoing faith formation provides the seamless faith development that is essential for receiving First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Attendance at Mass and regular reception of the Sacraments are crucial to forming one’s faith. Students who come to us with an interrupted formation process will be asked to take a year of Faith Formation before registering for sacramental preparation; exceptions are considered on an individual basis.
Ready to begin, or wondering where your child fits? Register for Faith Formation online, or contact the parish office at 952-473-4422. We would love to walk with your family.