celebrating sacraments at st. paul
Sacraments help us to better know Our God
Through the celebration of Sacraments, we draw closer to our loving God and are more acutely aware of God's presence in our lives. St. Paul Religious Education is happy to invite your family to begin or continue your faith-formation journey by preparing for and celebrating Sacraments. Our goal is to assist families in furthering their relationship with the Blessed Trinity so that they may fully share in God's life.
Baptism
In Baptism we become a member of God's family! At the time of our Baptism, we are in a state of perfect union, (also known as grace,) with the Blessed Trinity. Many of us celebrated this Sacrament as an infant. As we mature, we grow to know that sometimes we offend other people which ultimately offends God. This harms our relationship with God and others and we no longer live in a state of perfect grace. We are not left to remain this way! God always welcomes us to return to right relationship. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is our way to heal.
First Reconciliation
The bishops of the United States recognize the age of 7 years to be the age at which children can reason. Therefore, after that time, children grow to know that they have hurt God and other people when they act wrongly against them. This why First Reconciliation is celebrated when children have entered second grade and have celebrated their 7th birthday. Through preparation to receive First Reconciliation, children are formed to know when they have acted wrongly, (sinned,) and how to make amends to those they have hurt. The Sacrament of Reconciliation restores our relationship with God and other people so that we are in a state of grace once again. It can be celebrated as often as we feel necessary.
First Holy Communion
Just as Reconciliation heals our relationship with God and others, Holy Communion unites us as one Body in Christ. When we share in the Eucharist, we not only give praise and thanksgiving to God but also remember that Christ Our Lord suffered and died for us so that we can live in union with God and others. Through the Sacrament of Holy Communion, we share in the love of the Christ and other members of the worshipping community. We take the love of God that is experienced in the celebration of Holy Communion into the world to make Christ’s presence known.
Confirmation
Catholics believe that our Baptism has been sealed in the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Confirmation strengthens our relationship with the Holy Spirit giving us maturity to live as disciples of Christ. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we make a conscious choice to practice and profess our faith as Catholics. This enables us to live as productive members of the community.
sacrament preparation requirements
First Reconciliation Preparation
First Reconciliation Preparation
First Reconciliation Preparation
First Reconciliation is a required before celebrating First Holy Communion. Students must:
- be Baptized in the Roman Catholic tradition.
- complete one year of regular Religious Education classes before being eligible to begin preparation for First Reconciliation.
- be in their second year of regular Religious Education classes.
- attend classes especially designed to prepare children for this Sacrament.
- be a registered member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso
First Reconciliation is typically celebrated the first Saturday in December. Details regarding First Reconciliation prep will be sent to students who have completed all requirements to receive the sacrament.
First Holy Communion Preparation
First Reconciliation Preparation
First Reconciliation Preparation
Children celebrate their First Holy Communion the year after celebrating their First Reconciliation. Candidates for First Communion must:
- be Baptized in the Catholic tradition.
- have celebrated their First Reconciliation.
- be in their third year of regular Religious Education classes.
- attend classes especially designed to prepare children for this Sacrament.
- be a registered member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso
First Holy Communion is typically celebrated the last Sunday in April. Details regarding First Communion prep will be sent to students who have completed all requirements to receive the sacrament.
Confirmation Preparation
First Reconciliation Preparation
Confirmation Preparation
Young Adults entering 9th grade prepare for Confirmation at St. Paul. Candidates for Confirmation must:
- be Baptized in the Catholic tradition.
- have celebrated their First Reconciliation.
- have celebrate First Holy Communion.
- completed 8 years of faith-formation classes in the Catholic tradition.
- attend formational sessions especially designed to prepare children for this Sacrament through the Life Teen program.
- be a registered member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso.
Confirmation is usually celebrated on a weeknight during the month of May at St. Paul.