Sacramental Preparation for Children and Youth
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Go, Seek, Find is our two-year sacramental preparation program for children in grades 1-3 who have received the sacrament of Baptism & are seeking to receive the sacraments of Confirmation, Eucharist, and Reconciliation. This meets the Diocese of Portland standard of a two-year preparation period that involves building the foundation of Christian life in Mass, sacraments, and prayer life. We are currently using as the main text Go! Seek! Find!: Discover God's Treasures from St. Mary’s Press. This great program utilizes the bible and includes an online component allowing both flexibility and reinforcement of learning goals.
Whichever learning option your family chooses, all children must register to receive the sacraments at St. Thérèse Parish. The family must submit a request for the reception of sacraments (see form below). There is a $20 fee to cover the cost of retreats and other costs within the two-year preparation period.
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Explorers is a year-round program for unbaptized children and youth in grades 3 and up that are seeking to make the Catholic faith their very own. They are given the foundations and are prepared to receive the sacraments of initiation, beginning their faith journey. We currently use a combination of texts including Journey of Faith for Teens/Children by Liguori Press, Faith Fusion by OSV Publishing, and The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism by Catholic Book Publishing depending on the individual group member needs.The process begins by submitting the Inquirer Form (see below) and scheduling an interview with the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation. This informal meeting gives us a chance to get to know your family and your unique needs before you begin the preparation process.
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Request for the reception of Sacraments
COMPLETE Program Requirements
Children and their parents on the sacramental preparation track are required to- Attend Mass regularly on Sundays & Holy Days of Obligation and participate in the life of the parish. Please note, it's important for parents to model the important qualities of reverence, volunteerism, and stewardship.
- Pray faithfully each day, learning all prayers required to receive sacraments.
- Complete all necessary preparation lessons. Children should be sure to make up any session work missed to be properly prepared.
- Participate in three mandatory retreats over the course of the two-year preparation period: one in the spring of Year 1, one in the fall of Year 2, and one roughly four weeks prior to the reception of Confirmation/Eucharist.
- Attend eight (8) adult formation sessions during the two-year preparation period. Parents should attend four each year to model the life-long aspect of faith formation, a continued nurturing of our relationship with God.
Choose A Confirmation Sponsor
All candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation are required to choose a sponsor and the sponsor must submit a pastor-signed Confirmation Sponsor Certificate (see form below). Their sponsor serves as a role model in Christian life and helps your child follow Jesus and must be willing and able to help them live their lives as Catholics. This person can be, but is not necessarily, the child's godparent. The Catholic Church requires sponsors:- are at least sixteen years old
- are not the natural or adoptive parents of the candidate
- are fully initiated into the Catholic Faith with the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
- are practicing Catholics and if married, the marriage was officially recognized by the Church
cHoose a Confirmation saint/name
All candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation under the age of 18 should choose a saint to travel with them on their faith journey. They will be required to complete a short report on their choice and the saint will become their Confirmation name presented to the celebrant at the reception of this sacrament. Many saints will be discussed during the preparation period so there will be many from which to choose. Ways to help a child choose a saint:- Shared Baptismal name - does your child share a name with a saint? Maybe a favorite family member?
- Patron saints - does your child have a favorite activity? Most have a patron saint.
- Birthday/Baptismal Saints - research saints whose feast day falls on your child's birthday or baptismal day.
- Saints Books - There are many books on saints that can help in the search.
- Internet - There are many websites and videos on the saints to help in your search.
- Prayer! - Pray to the Holy Spirit for help in choosing a saint - God answers "knee-mail"!
Discernment discussions
Throughout the preparation period, the Sacramental Prep Team observe and assess your child at all sessions to be sure that your child is on track in their preparation. To best support you in your role of handing on the faith, the Team will communicate to your family any concerns we see to help you with the preparation of your child. If you feel your child is not where they should be at any time, reach out to the Team as soon as possible.Additional steps
Depending on the track, there may be additional steps required for reception of a sacrament. The Faith Formation Team will advise you if there is anything else necessary in your family's individual preparation.
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For Questions or more info
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Kimberley ParelloDirector of Lifelong Faith Formation
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