Sacramental Preparation

It is the policy of the Diocese of Metuchen, Office of Catechesis, that children preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation are required to prepare for a period of two years. Please note that Kindergarten is not a required year and cannot be counted as year one of preparation. Thus, a child must attend the first and second levels of religious formation classes to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

Parents have the right and responsibility to take an active part in the child’s preparation for these Sacraments. Parent Meetings will be held to help parents participate more fully in their child’s preparation. It is required that at least one parent or guardian attend the meetings. Typically, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be received in January and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist will be received the following Spring.

It is of utmost importance that your child approaches the Sacraments with an awareness of the love and sacredness to which the Lord is drawing them. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate each child’s readiness to receive the Sacraments. This will be done on an individual basis and will be handled by the child’s catechist as well as the DCFF. Please help your child to gain an adequate understanding of the Sacraments by educating them at home in the truths of the faith and by taking them to Mass each Sunday.

We cannot do this profound work without your active involvement and participation in the faith life of your child. If a child does not express comprehension of the Sacrament about to be received, it will be necessary to delay your child’s reception of that Sacrament