Faith Formation » Sacramental Prep

Sacramental Prep

First Reconciliation and Eucharist

We are honored to invite the children to prepare for Eucharist, a Sacrament of Initiation. There are few moments in life that are remembered so tenderly as First Communion. Eucharist is about gathering at the Lord’s table where all are welcome to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. Weekly, we gather with the community to be renewed in our faith, challenged and encouraged by the Word, nourished and strengthened by the Body and Blood of Christ. 

The Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance, (also known as Reconciliation), are intimately connected.  In the Roman Church, preparation for and celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation precedes that of First Communion.  In his death and resurrection Christ overcomes sin and restores communion between the Father and humanity.  God's super-abundant love and mercy also lie at the heart of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Human beings always stand within the the Father's call to repentance and grace. Our God so desires to reconcile, to forgive, and to be in communion with each of us. Students celebrating First Eucharist in second grade must have been enrolled at St. Barnabas Catholic School or in Religious Education in first grade. There is a Eucharist fee of $45.00 per child. Please note fees are due Friday, November 1. 

For further details, please contact the Religious Education Office, 773-445-3450. (Click here for First Eucharist Information Sheet)

Confirmation

The rite of Confirmation begins with the laying on of hands, which is an ancient gesture of prayer symbolizing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As we accept the Holy Spirit, we are confirmed in our faith and given strength to be disciples of Jesus. As eighth graders prepare for new challenges and discoveries, Confirmation enables them to meet each moment, aware that God is present to them and has sealed the gifts needed to make decisions as followers of Jesus.Reception of this sacrament takes place in eighth grade. Enrollment in St. Barnabas Catholic School or regular attendance in our Religious Education Program is required. The Confirmation Program begins in 7th grade with an emphasis on service and continues in 8th grade with preparation for the sacrament.There is a $55.00 Confirmation fee per child for materials & speakers.
For further details, please contact the Religious Education Office at 773-445-3450
 

Confirmation Calendar 2019-2020

                                                           

Tuesday, October 1              Confirmation Fee ($55) is Due.

 

Tuesday, October 15            7:00 PM  Church: Candidates & Sponsor Evening of Reflection

(If sponsor is unable to attend, a parent should attend. Assignment for Candidate / Sponsor to work on together will be given at this time.)

                                   

 Friday, October 18                Holy Fire. Archdiocesan event from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the UIC Pavilion. Attendance will require paying a fee. Attendance is optional and can count as mandatory Confirmation Retreat. More details to follow.    

 

 Sunday, October 20              10:00 AM Church for Sunday Mass

                                                Confirmation Enrollment of Candidates

 

 Sunday, November 17          Confirmation Saint Report Due for RE Confirmandi.

(SBS Confirmandi will work with their 8th Grade religion teacher on a report / project related to their chosen saint. Due date will be assigned by teacher.)

 

Sunday, December 15          RE Confirmandi: Letter to the Bishop Due 

 

Monday, December 16          SBS Confirmandi: Letter to the Bishop Due 

 

Every candidate will write a one-page, double spaced, personal letter to the Confirming Bishop (TBD) explaining:

 

  • why he/she wants to be confirmed
  • who his/her sponsor is and a little about why they chose him/her
  • what service the candidate has performed.
  • what saint he/she has chosen for a Confirmation Name (short reflection on the Saint and how you can imitate this person as an 8th grader).

 

Jan 11, Jan 29, Feb 2            Confirmation Retreat options for those who do not attend Holy Fire.  (Retreatants will be given a choice of dates. Dates will be  January 11 from 8:30 to noon, Wednesday, January 29 shortly after school, and the afternoon of Sunday, February 2 from 3:00 to 6:30. Deacon Neu and Mr. McGowan will be leading the retreats.

 

Week of February 2-7            Confirmation interviews – Exact dates and times to be assigned. RE Confirmandi should be ready to interview at Religious Ed session on Sunday, February 2. SBS Confirmandi will interview during the school day. Service Journals and sponsor assignment due at interview.

 

 Tuesday, February 18           7:00 PM Church Confirmation Rehearsal

(Candidate and Sponsors only)

 

Friday, February  21             7:00 PM –  Confirmation