First Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation, according to the United States Catholic Bishops is to take place on or about the age of reason, which is understood to be around the age of seven. In the United States, traditionally this has meant those children in the second grade. Sacramental preparation is a collaborative effort between family and parish and as such, requires parents or guardians to participate in the program.

Registration forms for the 2007-08 sacramental season should be submitted to the office no later than September 19, 2007 and if not baptized at Our Lady of Light, your child's baptismal certificate should be attached to the registration form.

Program components
If you and your child feel ready for participation in the sacraments, there are three components.

First, the child and at least one parent must attend all preparation sessions for each sacrament. Sessions will begin in the Church.

Sacramental Preparation Schedule

Second, your child must be involved in an ongoing faith formation program.  This can be either through formal religion classes at a Diocesan Catholic school or through Children's Faith Formation offered here at the church. For your reference, children must have been participating in Faith Formation programs the year prior to reception of the Sacraments.

Third, it is expected that the family attend Mass together regularly. The Mass experience is a significant part of the sacramental experience, and what you and your child learn during sacramental preparation will be greatly enhanced by regular participation at Mass.

For any questions or clarification, please call the Faith Formation Office at 267-7088, x242.