Reconciliation - The preparation of this sacrament of reconciliation occurs at two religious education grade levels: Second and Fourth

Second Grade: At this level the children experience the sacrament individually with Fr. Mark. The dates scheduled for this experience are early in the second semester. The children are prepared in the PSF classroom using the grade-level textbook. The lessons are geared toward a gentle, matter-of-fact presentation of the sacrament. The children will learn the order of the sacrament with the help of the catechists and some discussion at home. There is no workshop or special celebration in conjunction with the reconciliation experience.

Fourth Grade: At this level the older children experience the sacrament in a communal setting. The celebration includes scripture readings, reflection, an examination of conscience, community prayer, and the confession of sins to a priest. This celebration includes the students and their families, especially their parents. A child/parent workshop is held on a Saturday morning prior to the celebration.

First Eucharist - The first reception of the sacrament of Eucharist usually occurs at the second grade level. Although we usually celebrate this sacrament during the Easter season, this year the celebration will be one Sunday out of that season, May 18th, Trinity Sunday. Families may choose between the 9 am and the 11:15 am Mass. The celebration includes children prepared in the PSF sessions and those prepared within the Coulee Catholic Schools and those prepared within a home-school environment. The PSF preparation includes class work, a family recognition at Mass, and a Saturday morning workshop. The workshop will be held at Newman, Saturday, April 19th, from 9 am - Noon. Those preparing elsewhere, but receiving at Newman, are invited to participate in the workshop and the recognition at Mass.

Confirmation - In our parish, high school sophomores are invited to prepare for this last initiation sacrament. Preparation begins with a parent meeting in late summer and continues through the academic year. The sacrament is celebrated during the Easter season in the spring of the year. In recent years the parish candidates have joined other parishes in the celebration of this sacrament. This year's celebration will be held Sunday, May 4th, 1:00 o'clock pm at St. Patrick's Church, Onalaska.

ELEMENTS OF CONFIRMATION 2008

Candidates: 19 - 14 boys/5 girls (18 families)

Youth Ministry and Confirmation

After Easter (Easter: March 23) - Interviews with Fr. Mark (He will notify candidates)

Wednesdays, April 9, 16, - Sessions on Confirmation ritual

(Wednesday, April 16 -- last day for Candidates to register their sponsor)

Please Note: The scheduled April 23 meeting has been cancelled.

Wednesday, April 30th, 7 pm – Rehearsal at St. Patrick’s, Onalaska (w/St. Leo’s, West Salem, St. Mary's, Bangor, and St. Mary's, Coon Valley)

Sunday, May 4 – Confirmation celebration, 1:00 o'clock pm, St. Patrick’s, Onalaska