{"id":2445,"date":"2013-01-30T15:40:35","date_gmt":"2013-01-30T15:40:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrow.org\/?page_id=2445"},"modified":"2026-02-01T22:08:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T03:08:22","slug":"religious-education-sacraments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=2445","title":{"rendered":"Religious Education &#8211; Sacraments"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2445\" class=\"elementor elementor-2445\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-10bcb11e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"10bcb11e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2acf6be5\" data-id=\"2acf6be5\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4a5d612 eael_simple_menu_hamburger_disable_selected_menu_no eael-simple-menu-hamburger-align-right eael-hamburger--tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-simple-menu\" data-id=\"4a5d612\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-simple-menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style>\n                        @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) {\n                            .eael-hamburger--tablet {\n                                .eael-simple-menu-horizontal,\n                                .eael-simple-menu-vertical {\n                                    display: none;\n                                }\n                            }\n                            .eael-hamburger--tablet {\n                                .eael-simple-menu-container .eael-simple-menu-toggle {\n                                    display: block;\n                                }\n                            }\n                        }\n                        .eael-simple-menu-container.eael-simple-menu--loading > ul {\n                            display: -webkit-box !important;\n                            display: -ms-flexbox !important;\n                            display: flex !important;\n                            list-style: none !important;\n                        }\n                        .eael-simple-menu-container.eael-simple-menu--loading li ul {\n                            visibility: hidden !important;\n                            opacity: 0 !important;\n                        }\n                    <\/style>            <div data-hamburger-icon=\"&lt;i aria-hidden=&quot;true&quot; class=&quot;fas fa-bars&quot;&gt;&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-indicator-icon=\"&lt;i aria-hidden=&quot;true&quot; class=&quot;fas fa-angle-down&quot;&gt;&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-dropdown-indicator-icon=\"&lt;i class=&quot;fas fa-angle-down&quot;&gt;&lt;\/i&gt;\" class=\"eael-simple-menu-container eael-simple-menu--loading eael-simple-menu-align-left eael-simple-menu-dropdown-align-left preset-1\" data-hamburger-breakpoints=\"{&quot;mobile&quot;:&quot;Mobile Portrait (&gt; 767px)&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;:&quot;Tablet Portrait (&gt; 1024px)&quot;,&quot;desktop&quot;:&quot;Desktop (&gt; 2400px)&quot;,&quot;none&quot;:&quot;None&quot;}\" data-hamburger-device=\"tablet\">\n                <ul id=\"menu-religious-ed\" class=\"eael-simple-menu eael-simple-menu-dropdown-animate-to-top eael-simple-menu-indicator eael-simple-menu-horizontal\"><li id=\"menu-item-8435\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-8435\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=2381\">Mission<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8442\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-8442\"><a href=\"#\">|<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8439\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-8439\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=2440\">Contact Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8443\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-8443\"><a href=\"#\">|<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8438\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-8438\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=7700\">Calendar<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-10127\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-10127\"><a href=\"#\">|<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-10126\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-10126\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=10123\">Registration<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8444\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-8444\"><a href=\"#\">|<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8440\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-8440\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=2443\">K-8<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8446\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-8446\"><a href=\"#\">|<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8441\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-8441\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=2445\">Sacraments<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8447\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-8447\"><a href=\"#\">|<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-8437\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-8437\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=2447\">Adult Formation<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-9849\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-9849\"><a href=\"#\">|<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-9848\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-9848\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/?page_id=9846\">Vacation Bible School<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>                <button class=\"eael-simple-menu-toggle\">\n                    <span class=\"sr-only \">Hamburger Toggle Menu<\/span>\n                    <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-bars\"><\/i>                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a24050 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3a24050\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span style=\"font-size: 20px;font-weight: 700;color: var( --e-global-color-599fd1c );white-space: normal\">St. Mary of Sorrows Faith Formation<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32544501 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"32544501\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10283\" src=\"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/ReligiousEdLogoSmallXparent.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"104\" \/>Sacramental Preparation at\u00a0<\/strong><strong>St. Mary of Sorrows<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>FAQs for New Families<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Who can enroll in the program?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">All families registered in the parish are welcome. If you are new or not yet registered, our office will gladly assist you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>General Program Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sacramental Preparation Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Children preparing for First Holy Communion and Confirmation complete a two-year formation process. First Holy Communion typically occurs in 2nd grade, and Confirmation in 8th grade. Older children are placed in age-appropriate sacramental preparation classes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Class Schedule &amp; Attendance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Classes meet weekly during the school year, with Sunday morning and weekday evening options. Families should notify the office of absences. Up to three unexcused absences are permitted.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Parent Involvement<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Parents are the primary educators of the faith. Participation in Sunday Mass and Holy Days is expected. Parent meetings, volunteering, and at-home faith conversations are encouraged.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Volunteer Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Parents may serve as catechists, aides, hall monitors, or retreat\/event helpers. Training and support are provided.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Safety Policies<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">We follow all diocesan child-protection guidelines, including background checks and safe-environment training.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Smartphone &amp; Smartwatch Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Students may not use smartphones or smartwatches during class. Devices should not be brought to class. Older students who bring a device will store it in a phone holder.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Program Calendar<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">The program runs from September through May. Key events include registration, retreats, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. An updated Calendar for the year is on the Calendar Tab.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Religious Education Office: 703-978-4141 x129<br \/>Director of Religious Education: Aida Willis \u2014 aidaw@stmaryofsorrows.org<\/p>\n<p><strong>First Reconciliation &amp; First Holy Communion (Grades 1\u20132)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A two-year program beginning in 1st grade. Includes Mass attendance, parent meetings, a Good-Deeds log, a parish outreach event, and the 2nd-grade retreat and rehearsal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Confirmation Preparation (Grades 7\u20138)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">A two-year program beginning in 7th grade, including weekly Mass, limited absences, interviews, retreats, projects, exams, adoration hours, and First Friday Family Nights.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Christian Service Requirement (Grades 7\u20138)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Students complete one Work of Mercy each month from October through April.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Students should be able to describe their service and identify which Work of Mercy it fulfilled on a handout provided in class.<\/p>\n<p><strong>OCIC \u2014 Order of Christian Initiation for Children<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">For children age 7+ who have not received Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>OCIT \u2014 Order of Christian Initiation for Teens (Grades 7\u201312)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">For teens preparing for Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>OCIA \u2014 Order of Christian Initiation for Adults<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">For adults exploring the Catholic faith or preparing for full communion.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Contacts: Ann Hartmann (<a href=\"mailto:amhartmann74@gmail.com\">amhartmann74@gmail.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Deacon Dave Maurer (<a href=\"mailto:deacondave@stmaryofsorrows.org\">deacondave@stmaryofsorrows.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mission | Contact Us | Calendar | Registration | K-8 | Sacraments | Adult Formation | Vacation Bible School Hamburger Toggle Menu St. Mary of Sorrows Faith Formation Sacramental Preparation at\u00a0St. Mary of Sorrows FAQs for New Families Who can enroll in the program? All families registered in the parish are welcome. If you are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2445","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2445"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2445\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stmaryofsorrows.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}