Baptized Catholic
For baptized Catholics, two years of faith formation are required by the diocese in order to receive reconciliation and Eucharist.  In order to receive reconciliation and Eucharist in 2nd grade, a child must enroll and have an 80% attendance rate in faith formation in 1st and 2nd grades.  Specific instruction for sacraments is given during four family retreats held in the spring during the second year of their formation.

1. If a child is in 2nd grade or older with no previous faith formation, he/she will be enrolled in their current grade and attend classes as mentioned above for two consecutive years and will attend the sacrament retreats during their second year of faith formation.
2. If a child is in middle or high school, he/she will enroll in an age-appropriate session for the first and second year.  During the second year, he/she may also attend preparation classes for each sacrament that he/she will be receiving.

 

Guidelines for First Reconciliation and First Communion for Different Circumstances
 
Baptized in a different Christian faith –
For children and youth who were baptized in a different Christian faith, at least one year of faith formation is required by the diocese.  There are rites and scrutinies that they, their parents, and godparents/sponsor will be asked to attend.  At the Easter Vigil, they will make a profession of faith and may also be confirmed. 

1. If a child is in 1st grade or younger, he/she will be enrolled in the appropriate grade level.
2. Children and teens in 2nd grade through high school will be enrolled in faith formation at their grade level.  Attendance at age appropriate sacrament preparation sessions and/or retreats will be necessary for each sacrament being received.
3. First Reconciliation is generally done in February or March.  Eucharist and Confirmation (as is age appropriate) are received at the Easter Vigil.

 
Unbaptized –
For children and youth who have not been baptized, at least one year of faith formation is required by the diocese. There are rites and scrutinies that they, their parents, and godparents will be asked to attend. 

1. If a child is in 1st grade or younger, he/she will be enrolled in the appropriate grade level for faith formation and receive baptism only at the Easter Vigil.
2. Children and teens in 2nd grade through high school will be enrolled in faith formation at their grade level.  Attendance at age appropriate sacrament preparation sessions and/or retreats will be necessary for each sacrament being received.
3. Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation are received at the Easter Vigil according to which sacraments are age appropriate.

Contact: Sandy Hernandez, Elementary Faith Formation Coordiantor
Phone:  469-467-9669 ext. 106
Email:  sharnandez@ourladyofangels.com