Sacrament Preparation Guidelines

 Please refer to these guides to help determine if your child is ready to prepare for any of the following Sacraments. Parents should determine not only if their child is spiritually ready but also if the family can devote the time needed to prepare the child for any of the Sacraments.

 Are you ready to ask for forgiveness?

 Reconciliation: St. Stephen’s guidelines recommend that your child is ready to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation if the following have been met:

 · Your child has been baptized Catholic or Welcomed into the Catholic Faith if baptized non-Catholic.

 · Your child has completed at least one year of faith formation and is currently participating in a formation program (Parish or Catholic School).

· Your child is in Grade 2 or higher.

 · It is also expected that your family will be attending Mass at St. Stephen on a regular basis. Celebrating liturgy together is at the center of our Catholic faith, and is the greatest expression of our beliefs.

Are you ready to receive the presence of Jesus?

Eucharist: St. Stephen’s guidelines recommend that your child is ready to prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist if the following have been met:

· Your child has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation.

 · Your child has completed at least two years of faith formation and is currently participating in a formation program (Parish or Catholic School).

· Your child is in Grade 3 or higher.

 · It is also expected that your family will be attending Mass at St. Stephen on a regular basis. Celebrating liturgy together is at the center of our Catholic faith, and is the greatest expression of our beliefs.

 Are you ready to make a commitment to your faith?

Confirmation: St. Stephen’s guidelines recommend that your teen is ready to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation if the following have been met:

· Your teen has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist.

 · Your teen has completed at least two years of adolescent faith formation (Parish or Catholic School) and is currently participating in a faith formation program (Parish or Catholic School) for the current school year (Grade 10 or higher).

 · It is also expected that your family will be attending Mass at St. Stephen on regular basis. Celebrating liturgy together is at the center of our Catholic faith, and is the greatest expression of our beliefs.