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Youth Sacrament Preparation -
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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.
All children must register to receive the sacraments at St. Matthew Parish. The family must submit a request for the reception of sacraments (see form below) and be registered in either the Children's Formation Program or an approved Catholic school or homeschool curriculum. 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 ages 7 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.
For more information go to our Becoming Catholic Page.
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For children in Grades 4 and up, their specific process will depend on where they are currently at on their journey. Reach out to the Lifelong Faith Formation Program at the contact information below to initiate the process.
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REQUEST FOR RECEPTION OF SACRAMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Registered Families will receive a checklist to track the necessary requirements so you will always know where you are in the process. Children and their parents on the sacramental preparation track are required to- Attend Mass regularly
- Pray faithfully each day
- Attend required Family Formation Monthly Sessions each year
- Participate in six mandatory retreats over the course of the preparation period on the following topics:
- Knowing God as a Family
- Loving God as a Family
- Serving God as a Family
- God's Love & Mercy: The Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Strength of the Holy Spirit: The Sacrament of Confirmation
- Jesus' Real Presence: The Sacrament of Eucharist
- Attend two (2) adult formation sessions
DISCERNMENT DISCUSSIONS
Throughout the preparation period, the Sacramental Prep Team observe and assess your child at all in-person sessions to be sure that your child is on track in their preparation and chat with you and your child at the retreats. This culminates in a final discernment discussion to determine your child's readiness. If you feel your child is not where they should be at any time, reach out to the Team as soon as possible.
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CHOOSING 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
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CHOOSING 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 an activity on their choice, and the saint will become their Confirmation name presented to the celebrant at the reception of this sacrament. Discussion of saints is a big part of 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"!
- Shared Baptismal name - does your child share a name with a saint? Maybe a favorite family member?
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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. Contact us with any questions you may have.
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