Formation Programs, Grades 1-12

Children and youth learn the fundamentals of our faith at an age-appropriate level. Topics covered include: God, Jesus Christ, Liturgy and Sacraments, the moral life, prayer, Mary and the Saints.

Grades 1-5 (pick one)

  • Group A – 3 Sundays per month, 9:45am-11:00am; kids only/English
  • Group B – 3 Sundays per month, 2:30-3:45pm; English & Spanish
  • Group C – 3 Mondays per month, 6:45-8pm; English (only for children preparing for first Communion & Reconciliation)
  • Home Study – children complete material at home and must come to the office for a check on their work 3 times a year

Grades 6-12 (pick one)

  • EDGE (Grades 6-8) & LIFETEEN (Grades 9-12) – 3 Mondays per month, 6:30-8:00pm; classes are in English
  • Home Study – youth complete material at home and must come to the office for a check on their work 3 times a year

Sacramental Preparation

All children and youth who enroll in a program of Sacramental Preparation must also enroll in one of the above-mentioned Christian Formation programs:

Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children and Youth (RCIC)

This is a process of formation leading to full initiation for children and youth who are 7 years and older and have not yet been Baptized. Through prayer experiences, participation in catechetical sessions and various Rites, the children and youth are prepared to be received into the Church at Easter through the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). Below is a more detailed explanation of what’s entailed and please check the calendar for dates:

  • Parents attend regular parents sessions and meetings
  • Children and youth participate in religious education and Sacramental preparation sessions, September through May. Children in grades 2-5 attend on Sunday (either morning 9:45-11am or afternoon 2:30-3:45pm); youth in grades 6-12 attend on Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm
  • Children and youth celebrate the following Rites (at Mass or at Sessions): Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, Scrutinies, Presentation of the Creed and Lord’s Prayer, Preparation Rites, Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)
  • Children participate follow up session after receiving the Sacraments to prepare for and learn about the Sacrament of Reconciliation

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

This program of preparation is for children and youth who are Baptized Catholic, are 7 years old or older.

If your son/daughter meets the criteria listed below, you may enroll him/her to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and first Holy Communion:

  1. Distinguishes between right and wrong
  2. Experiences and expresses remorse for sin
  3. Forgives those who have wronged him/her
  4. Prays at home and at Mass
  5. Has a relationship with Jesus
  6. Has expressed a desire to receive the Sacraments
  7. Is registered in the parish formation program for their age or is attending Catholic School
Preparation for First Reconciliation & Holy Communion:
  • Participation at Sunday Mass
  • Participation in the religious education program appropriate for child/youth’s age or is attending Catholic school
  • 2 Parent Meetings
  • Children in Grades 2-5 participate in religious education and sacramental preparation sessions September through May, either Sunday morning (9:45-11am), Sunday afternoon (2:30-3:45pm) or Monday evening (6:45-8:00pm) and 2 Parent-Child sessions in the course of the year; youth in Grades 6-12 participate in religious education and sacramental preparation sessions on Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm, September through May
  • Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (all children and youth must have celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to receiving their first Holy Communion)
  • Prayer Service, Final Preparation & Rehearsal for first Holy Communion
  • See calendar for dates of first Communion Masses

Confirmation

In the Diocese of Richmond, a baptized Catholic youth can prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation once they are 15 years old and when he or she will enter the sophomore year in high school (or higher). If your son/daughter is younger–is in middle school or is a freshman high school—you may enroll him/her in the religious education program for his/her age (EDGE / LIFETEEN) so s/he can learn about the faith and grow in his/her relationship with the Lord (but s/he will have to wait for Confirmation).

Preparation for Confirmation:
  • Participate in Sunday Mass
  • Is enrolled in the parish religious education program for their age or is attending Catholic School
  • 1 information session for parents and godparents
  • Candidates participate in religious education and sacramental preparation sessions on Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm, September through May (please check the calendar)
  • Participate in a Confirmation Retreat
  • Rite of Presentation of the Candidates at Mass
  • Rehearsal
  • All candidates must celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) prior to being Confirmed
  • Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation