Sacramental Preparation
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 individual confession of sins to a priest. This celebration includes the students and their families, especially their parents. A parent meeting is held prior to the event to discuss the celebration of the sacrament. In addition, a child/parent workshop is held at Newman on a Saturday morning from 9 am to 12 Noon to prepare for the sacrament. At least one parent is expected to attend this workshop with their child. Due to the snowstorm in December, the communal celebration of the sacrament will be on Wednesday, January 20, at 6:30 pm
First Eucharist - The first reception of the sacrament of Eucharist usually occurs at the second grade level.The celebration includes children prepared in the PSF sessions, those prepared within the Aquinas 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.Those preparing elsewhere, but receiving at Newman, are invited to participate in the workshop and the recognition at Mass. Because of the impending start of Phase II of our planned renovation, the celebration of the sacrament is different than our usual May date. First Eucharist will be held this year on Sunday, April 25, 2010.
Confirmation - In our parish, high school sophomores are invited to prepare for this last initiation sacrament. Preparation begins with a parent meeting in late August of each year and continues through the academic year (see below for the elements of Confirmation). The sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, May 2, 2010.
Confirmation, Parish Life and Youth Ministry
Sacraments and parish life go together, hand-in-hand. Babies are baptized through a parish, we celebrate Eucharist as a parish, we are married through a parish; priests and deacons are called from a parish community and the sacraments of healing are celebrated within a parish. The sacrament of Confirmation, too, is celebrated within the life of a parish.
The primary parish community for young people preparing for Confirmation at Newman is the parish Youth Ministry program. Therefore, attending Youth Ministrysessions is a key element in our preparation for this sacrament of initiation. As the young people will learn, part of being a disciple of Christ is having a sense of belonging together. Our Youth Ministry program is designed to provide a place for high school students to grow in that sense of belonging to the Newman community and the wider Church community. Following a regular schedule the Confirmation candidates will come together with other parish youth for social activiies and lessons. They will learn what it means to be part of a parish community and will gain a better understanding of being a disciple of Christ within their everyday life. During sacramental preparation belonging to Youth Ministry is not "in addition to", but is "an essential element of" growing in faith for youth.
ELEMENTS OF CONFIRMATION 2010
Wednesday, March 24 - Lenten Reconciliation experience for (all) candidates only, 7 pm, Newman chapel
After Easter (April 04) - One-on-one interview with Fr. Mark
(He will notify candidates)
Wednesdays, April 14, 21 - Sessions on Confirmation ritual
Rehearsal – 7 pm, Wednesday, April 28, in Newman Chapel. For Candidates and sponsors. If sponsor cannot attend, a parent should be in attendance.
Confirmation celebration (Revised 3/11/10) – Sunday, May 2, at Roncalli Newman, Fr. Mark presiding, at the 11:15 am Mass.