Faith Formation » Sacramental Prep

Sacramental Prep

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)

FIRST RECONCILIATION and EUCHARIST  

Reconciliation is a sacrament of love and healing. The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our Christian lives. Walking the journey toward first Reconciliation and first Holy Communion with our children is both an honor and a serious responsibility. It is in this year we communicate most intently with our kids about how God loves us and forgives us, how our actions have consequences, how God wishes us to remain in loving relationship (even when we fall short), and how God feeds us with his very self. Here is the 2023-2024 schedule:

Tuesday, September 19, First Reconciliation and Communion Parent Formation Night 

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in Church

Parents come to Church on Tuesday, September 19 at 7:00 PM where we will pray, reflect, and help parents prepare for their children’s First Reconciliation and First Communion.  

Sunday, October 1, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation Prep Celebration and and Enrollment of Candidates

10:00 to 11:00 AM in Church 

Parish 2nd Graders and their families will come to a special 10:00 AM Mass and make a covenant to prepare for their first sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.  

Friday, November 3  - Communion fee ($45) due. 

Tuesday, November 7, First Reconciliation Preparation Night- 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM in Church

Children receiving the sacrament of First Reconciliation and a parent or parents will come to church to pray and reflect. There will be a First Reconciliation role play with an adult and older child and Q and A after to help the children better understand the sacrament.  Older siblings are welcome. It’s election day, so remember to vote first! 

Tuesday, December 5, Sacrament of First Reconciliation -6:30 to 8:00 PM in Church.

NOTE: The material and instructions to build your child’s First Communion Banner will be given out at this time as people exit.   

 Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 1st Communion Photos (Optional)-5:00 – 7:00 PM, Church Hall  

Children will come to the Church Hall dressed in their First Communion attire for a photograph with Van Gogh photography. More details about schedule (times for boys, girls) will be sent in February. 

 Wednesday, March 27, 2024 (School kids) and Sunday, April 7, 2024 (Family Formation kids)- First Communion Banners Due.  

Tuesday, April 30, 2024, First Communion Rehearsal- 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in Church  

First Communion Rehearsal with parents and child.

 Saturday, May 4, 2024, Sacrament of First Communion- 10:00 AM in Church 

Sunday, May 5, 2024, Communiants First Sunday Eucharist- 10:00 AM in Church

New Communicants come to Sunday Mass in First Communion attire to celebrate their first Sunday Eucharist.  

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 seventh and eighth graders prepare for new challenges, 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.

Enrollment in St. Barnabas Catholic School or regular attendance in our Religious Education Program is required for Confirmation. The Confirmation Program begins in seventh grade with an emphasis on service and continues in eighth grade with final preparation for the sacrament.There is a $55.00 Confirmation fee per child.

 

Sunday, October 1, Confirmation Promises, Enrollment of Candidates -10:00 AM Mass, in Church 

First Communion and Confirmation Candidates and Parents will come to a special Mass to make their Confirmation promises and be enrolled as Confirmation Candidates.  

Tuesday, October 3, Confirmandi and Sponsor Night  -7:00 to 8:30 PM in Church. 

Confirmation Candidates and sponsors (or a parent or guardian, if sponsor unavailable) will come for a night of reflection. Confirmandi receive banner materials.    

Tuesday, October 10   -Confirmation Fee ($55) is Due. 

January / February, Date and Time TBD  -Parish Confirmation Retreat. Mandatory.   

Friday, January 26, 2024 (School Confirmandi), and Sunday, February 4 (Family Formation Confirmandi), Bishop’s Letter and Confirmation Banner Due         

Confirmandi will hand in two (2) assignments: (A) a one (1) page, double-spaced letter to the Bishop, requesting to be Confirmed. Assignment details will be given by the 8th grade religion teacher; (B) their completed Confirmation Banner.  

Monday, January 28 through Friday, February 9, 2024: Confirmation Interviews with Pastor

Confirmandi interviews with pastor for 20 minutes. St. Barnabas School students will interview during the school day. Family Formation Confirmandi will interview on February 7.  More details to follow after Christmas.   

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Confirmation Rehearsal - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, in Church

Confirmation Rehearsal for all Confirmandi. Those with leadership roles (opening welcome, lector, gift bearer) will need to remain at Church until 8:30 PM to practice. All other Confirmandi will be dismissed between 8:00 and 8:15.    

 Friday, February 23, 2024, Sacrament of Confirmation- 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM in Church

CONFIRMATION CALENDAR: 7TH GRADE 

 Spring 2024 (Date TBD)   -7th Grade Retreat. Details TBD. 

 Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 7th Grade Confirmation Candidate and Parent Night  - 7:00 to 8:15 PM in Church. 

7th Graders will receive Service Journals, preview the 8th Grade Confirmation Process, and reflect on the meaning of the sacrament with a parent or parents.