Sacramental Preparation

FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION

Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion consists of a two-year program.  Participation in Religious Education classes in first and second grades is required.  Children receive the Sacraments in the spring of their second grade year.  The program also requires family participation in Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation, parent attendance at scheduled meetings, participation in a Parish Out-Reach event at St. Mary’s, and a log of Good-Deeds performed at home.  More information will be available at the first parents’ meeting.  Contact Aida Willis if you have questions.

CONFIRMATION

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation consists of a two-year program, usually beginning in 7^th grade, with the following requirements: weekly attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, no more than three unexcused class absences per year, performance of 30 Christian service hours in the two year period (10 of them at the Church), completion of an interview during the second year, attendance at an overnight retreat during the second year, submission of a written letter to the pastor during the second year, and the development of a sound knowledge and the embracing of the teachings of the Church.  The program is designed to help the students enter into a more intimate relationship with Christ and to help them understand the unique and continual mission to which they are called in His Church.  “Catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community” (CCC 1309).  Please contact Erin Johnson, 703-978-4141, ext. 108, for more information.

LATE SACRAMENTS AND BECOMING CATHOLIC

RCIC (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) is available for children who are third grade or older and have not made their First Penance, received their First Communion, or been Baptized and for children who would like to be received into the Catholic Church. Please contact Aida Willis.

An RCIC class for students in grades 7 – 12 who have not yet received Baptism, First Penance, First Communion, and/or Confirmation who want to enter the Church is also offered.

A High School Confirmation class is offered for high school students who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The class is held on Wednesday afternoon.

For information about RCIA for adults, contact Fr. Barkett at (703) 978-4141, ext. 103.