SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

St. Mark Religious Education is charged with the sacred duty and honor to provide the people of faith with opportunities of remote and immediate catechesis for the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Matrimony, and Adult Confirmation. For more information regarding guidelines specific to the celebration of any of the aforementioned sacraments, please contact our office.

Baptism | First Reconciliation
First Eucharist | Matrimony | Adult Confirmation

Sacramental Preparation Information Links (pdf)
Parents’ Involvement in Children’s Sacrament Preparation

PLEASE NOTE: Parents have an important role to play in the religious education of their children, particularly in preparing for the sacraments. Therefore, the Archdiocese requires that children registered as candidates for First Penance or First Eucharist must be regularly participating in an approved religious education program during the sacramental year, as well as one year prior. Registration is required.

“The preparation programs for Baptism, First Penance, and First Eucharist should recognize the place of parents as the primary catechists of their children. The programs should assist the parents in fulfilling their responsibilities.”

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION GUIDELINES

Archdiocesan regulations and Saint Mark Parish policies regarding preparation for First Eucharist, First Penance and Confirmation stipulate that the child:

1. Be at least 7 years of age for First Eucharist and First Penance, and be at least in the 8th grade for Confirmation;

2. Participate fully in at least two consecutive years (including the year the sacrament is celebrated) of religion classes provided through the school and/or an approved religious education program;

3. Participate fully along with his/her parents in the separate program of immediate preparation for the sacrament in the candidate’s home parish (the parish where the child regularly worships);

4. Participates regularly in the life of his/her home parish (including regular attendance at Sunday Mass).

The ultimate decision of a child’s readiness to celebrate a sacrament rests with the parents. The decision is to be made in consulatation with the Pastor and the Director of Religious Education. First reception of any sacrament is to be celebrated within the context of the candidate’s home parish. Exceptions to the policies are to be cleared with the Pastor and the Director of Religious Education.