Sacramental Preparation at Saint Agnes

Responsibilities of Parents

"Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child's earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God." -Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2226

Parents are the primary teachers of the Catholic Faith to their children regardless of whether the children are homeschooled, enrolled in Family Catechesis or students at Saint Agnes School. As is so eloquently stated by the Catechism above, it is essential that parents exemplify and re-enforce the Catholic Faith in their homes.

Parents must either register their children in Saint Agnes School, Family Catechesis or register their Homeschooled children in order to receive sacraments. Registration links are found below.

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion at the Church of Saint Agnes

Thanks to the wonderful advocacy for Reconciliation and Holy Communion of Pope St. Pius X, children are allowed to receive these Sacraments at the age of reason, 7 years of age. Typically, this means the child is in the second grade, however, reaching the age of 7 does not guarantee that the child is mentally and emotionally ready for the Sacraments. The child must have an understanding of sin and contrition as well as understand that the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Christ. Parental judgement and involvement is very important in determining a child's readiness.

First Reconciliation will be made during the first three calendar months of the year, well in advance of First Holy Communion, which is scheduled in May.

First Holy Communion is offered in both the Ordinary Form (English) and Extraordinary Form (Latin, 1962 Missal) at Saint Agnes. Preparation does not vary depending on which Form is desired. First Holy Communion in the Ordinary Form is received at a special Saturday morning Mass, normally on the Saturday of May that follows the second Wednesday of May. First Holy Communion in the Extraordinary Form is received the following day (Sunday) at the regularly scheduled 7:30 AM EF Mass. When registering for First Communion, please indicate which Form you desire so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

Most children fit into one of the following groups, each of which has its own requirements for Sacrament preparation. Please refer to the appropriate group to learn the requirements for your child.

• Requirements for Homeschooling Families who are not registered in Family Catechesis at Saint Agnes

Click HERE to register your homeschooled child (not enrolled in Family Catechesis) to receive sacraments in 2016-17. Registration closes September 13, 2016.

• Requirements for Families Registered in Family Catechesis at Saint Agnes

Click HERE to register your children for the 2016-17 Family Catechesis classes. Registration closes September 13, 2016.

• Requirements for Students Registered at Saint Agnes School

Requirements for Homeschooling Families who are not registered in Family Catechesis at Saint Agnes

Homeschooling families are asked to use an approved curriculum to prepare their child. The list of approved curriculum is as follows:

• The Didache Series
• New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism Books 1 and 2
• New St. Joseph First Communion Catechism
• Seton Homeschool Religion books
• Faith and Life series
• Image of God series

We recognize that this is not an all-inclusive list of options. If you are using a curriculum not found on this list, please contact the pastor.

Detailed First Reconciliation Requirements:

All homeschooled children and at least one parent are required to attend an Evening of Reflection on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Children will not be allowed to receive this sacrament or First Holy Communion if they are not in attendance. This evening is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 6:45 pm.

After attending that evening, homeschooled children may go to Confession at Saint Agnes with their families. They should indicate to the priest that it is their First Confession. First Confession should be made well in advance of First Holy Communion.

Detailed First Holy Communion Requirements:

First Holy Communion in the Ordinary Form (English) is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 10 am. First Holy Communion in the Extraordinary Form (Latin) is scheduled for Sunday, May 14, 2017 at the 7:30 am Mass.

All second grade homeschooled students are required to complete the following requirements in order to receive First Holy Communion. Failure to attend/complete any of these items will result in the child not receiving First Communion.

1. All second grade homeschooled students and at least one parent are required to attend an Evening of Reflection on the Sacrament of Holy Communion given by Saint Agnes clergy prior to receiving the sacrament. This is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 6:45 pm.

*** NEW IN 2017 ***

2. All second grade homeschooled students are required to attend the First Holy Communion Retreat on Friday, May 12, 2017 from 8 am – 2:45 pm. During this retreat, all homeschooled students will be interviewed by Saint Agnes clergy to determine their readiness for the sacrament. Parents are encouraged to attend, but their presence is not a requirement.

Homeschooling families should contact Mrs. Eileen Mueller (emueller@saintagnesschool.org or 651-925-8896) to register their child to receive these sacraments no later than September 13, 2016. Mrs. Mueller will request the documentation required and be the primary source of communication with homeschooling families about events associated with First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Requirements for Families Registered in Family Catechesis at Saint Agnes:

The curriculum used will be the New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism over a two year period spanning first and second grade. Thus, the preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two year commitment.

This means that if you have a first grader this year, you need to enroll in Family Catechesis so that they are fully prepared for the sacrament. Exceptions to this 2-year requirement are made for new parishioners only.

Mrs. Eileen Mueller is the coordinator of Family Catechesis. When you register your family, she will make sure that any of your children who are receiving First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are registered and will communicate all necessary dates as the year progresses.

Detailed First Reconciliation Requirements:

Second grade students enrolled in Family Catechesis and at least one parent are required to attend an Evening of Reflection on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Children will not be allowed to receive this sacrament or First Holy Communion if they are not in attendance. This evening is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 6:45 pm.

After attending that evening, Family Catechesis children may go to Confession at Saint Agnes with their families. They should indicate to the priest that it is their First Confession. First Confession should be made well in advance of First Holy Communion.

Detailed First Holy Communion Requirements:

First Holy Communion in the Ordinary Form (English) is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 10 am. First Holy Communion in the Extraordinary Form (Latin) is scheduled for Sunday, May 14, 2017 at the 7:30 am Mass.

All Family Catechesis students are required to complete the following requirements in order to receive First Holy Communion. Failure to attend/complete any of these items will result in the child not receiving First Communion.

1. Enroll in Family Catechesis as a first grader and attend Family Catechesis classes on the second Wednesday of each month from September through May for two years.

2. Second grade students and at least one parent are required to attend an Evening of Reflection on the Sacrament of Holy Communion given by Saint Agnes clergy prior to receiving the Sacrament. This is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 6:45 pm in Schuler Hall.

*** NEW IN 2017 ***

3. Second grade students are required to attend the First Holy Communion Retreat on Friday, May 12, 2017 from 8 am – 2:45 pm. Parents are encouraged to attend, but their presence is not a requirement.

Please note that Family Catechesis is open to all Saint Agnes families, regardless of whether they are in a traditional school setting or homeschooled. More information on the Family Catechesis program can be found on this website under the menu item "Family Catechesis" on the left side of the screen.

Requirements for Students Registered at Saint Agnes School

If your child is registered as a student at Saint Agnes School, they will be prepared for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion during their second grade year. The primary catechists are Mrs. Kathleen O'Hern, the grade school religion teacher, and the parents. Mrs. O'Hern will register the children to receive the sacrament and ensure that parents receive communication about important dates. Saint Agnes clergy will visit the second graders to discuss specific topics related to the sacraments. School children are also required to attend a one-day retreat for First Holy Communion that is coordinated by Mrs. O'Hern.

Confirmation at the Church of Saint Agnes

Children in our Archdiocese may be confirmed as early as their 8th grade year this is our tradition at Saint Agnes. Confirmation is offered every year in the Ordinary Form (English). Confirmation is offered on a less regular basis in the Extraordinary Form (Latin, 1962 Missal), but has typically been offered every two years in the Fall. The requirements below apply to all children seeking Confirmation regardless of which Form is desired.

Please note that Extraordinary Form Confirmation is not scheduled by Saint Agnes, but by the Archdiocese. In the past, dates for EF Confirmation were announced that resulted in a shortened timeframe for preparation. Therefore, if you know you desire to have your child confirmed in the Extraordinary Form, please enroll them for Confirmation no later than the beginning of their 6th or 7th grade year in order to ensure that they are able to complete the requirements listed below.

Confirmation in the Ordinary Form for Saint Agnes students is scheduled for Sunday, February 19 at 2 pm.

Requirements for Homeschooling Families (not registered in Family Catechesis at Saint Agnes):

Homeschooling families are asked to use an approved curriculum to prepare their child. The list of approved curriculum is as follows:

• The Didache Series
• New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism Books 1 and 2
• New St. Joseph First Communion Catechism
• Seton Homeschool Religion books
• Faith and Life series
• Image of God series

We recognize that this is not an all-inclusive list of options. If you are using a curriculum not found on this list, please contact the pastor.

All homeschooled children in the 8^th grade preparing to receive Confirmation in 2017 are required to:

1. Attend a "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" talk given by Saint Agnes clergy. This talk is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 6:45 pm in Schuler Hall.

2. Take a written test to measure their readiness to receive the sacrament. This test is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 6:45 in Schuler Hall.

Homeschooling families should contact Mrs. Eileen Mueller (emueller@saintagnesschool.org or 651-925-8896) to insure that their child is registered to receive the Sacrament by no later than September 13, 2016. Mrs. Mueller will request the documentation required and be the primary source of communication with homeschooling families about events associated with Confirmation.

Families registered in Family Catechesis at Saint Agnes:

The curriculum used is the New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism, Book 2 over a three year period spanning the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. This means that if you have a sixth grader, you need to enroll in Family Catechesis so that they are fully prepared for the sacrament. Exceptions to this three-year requirement are given to new parishioners only.

All 8^th graders enrolled in Family Catechesis preparing to receive Confirmation in 2017 are required to:

1. Attend a "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" talk given by Saint Agnes clergy. This talk is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 6:45 pm in Schuler Hall.

2. Take a written test to measure their readiness to receive the sacrament. This test is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 6:45 in Schuler Hall.

Mrs. Eileen Mueller is the coordinator of Family Catechesis. When you register your family, she will make sure that any of your children who are receiving Confirmation are registered and will communicate all necessary dates as the year progresses.

Please note that Family Catechesis is open to all Saint Agnes families, regardless of whether they are in a traditional school setting or homeschooled.

Students registered at Saint Agnes School

If your child is registered as a student at Saint Agnes School, they will be prepared for Confirmation during their seventh and eighth grade years. Their primary catechist is Mrs. Joan Decker, the junior high religion teacher. Saint Agnes clergy also visits the classes to discuss specific topics related to the sacraments, including giving talks on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

All school students are also required to attend a one day retreat offered at the school AND to take a written test to measure their readiness to receive the sacrament. Mrs. Decker will register the children to receive the sacrament and ensure that parents receive communication about important dates.