This program provides preparation for the first reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for all children of St. Joseph/Old Mission San Jose, which includes both those attending public schools and St. Joseph School. This program is for children in 2nd grade and Grade 3 and up who didn’t receive these two sacraments when they were in the second grade.

Sacramental Preparation is a 2-year program and children attending must have been enrolled in the Family of Faith Ministry for at least one year before the preparation process.

• First Year: Children will learn about the basic catechesis of the Christian life.
• Second Year: Children deepen their understanding of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist and grow closer in their relationship with Jesus Christ and the church community.

During the second year, children will receive these two important Sacraments: First Reconciliation, which is celebrated sometime in February; First Holy Eucharist, which is usually celebrated on the weekends of May.

All children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist must include a copy of their Baptismal Certificate with the registration form, suggested contribution, and an additional $150 Sacramental Preparation Fee.

Part of the preparation for receiving the Sacraments, families will be required:

1. Attend Sunday Family Mass at 12 noon; two parents meetings, two parents and children retreats, and two practices for both parents and children, i.e., one meeting for each Sacrament.
2. Sunday Sessions for Parents/Guardians and children: Parents will attend sessions with a priest at the parish on Sunday twice a month. Children will have sessions with their catechists in their classroom two Sundays each month at the same date and time as the parent session.
3. Weekly at home: At our monthly meetings, the priest will go over the month’s materials. Parents are to commit to dedicating time at home to grow in Faith with their children and prepare them to receive the Sacraments using the Family of Faith and Sacramental Preparation materials.

TO BE LEARNED BY HEART:

• The Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Grace before meals
• Act of Contrition, Ten Commandments, Seven Sacraments
• Steps of how to go to confession
• Be familiar with the responses during Mass.

Click HERE for 2022-2023 Calendar