First Penance is celebrated in February of each year for students preparing for First Holy Communion.

 

The Eucharist is the heart of the Christian life. In receiving the Blessed Sacrament we are united in a mysterious and intimate way with our Lord Jesus Christ, who truly pours His very being into the Host.

The foundation of St. Michael's Faith Formation is the celebration of the Eucharist. As such, the first and most important requirment is the family's attendance at Mass every week.

First Holy Communion is traditionally celebrated in the spring of a student's year in the second grade. Older students who wish to receive First Eucharist and are new to the Church or returning to the program will be enrolled in the parish's RCIA program, which entails individual meetings with our program coordinator.

It is primarily the responsibility of the parents to ensure that children are properly prepared for this step in their personal initiation into the Church, especially by bringing them to Mass and by exposing them to the teachings and rich culture of the Catholic Faith. 

The conditions for a child to receive First Communion are:

Mass Attendance at the Sunday Eucharist (Children's Liturgy of the Word offered at 8:00 Mass, but any Mass on Saturday evening or on Sunday fulfills this requirement)

Attendance at Monthly Gatherings for Family of Faith

Attendance at Classes in November, January, and March.

First Reconciliation Retreat in January.

First Reconciliation offered on Saturday mornings in February.

First Communion celebrated at regular Sunday Masses in May.
 

Our Confirmation program welcomes students in grades 9 - 12 who have been properly prepared by faithful attendance at Mass, regular reception of the sacrament of Penance, and who have received First Communion. Please be advised: Teens must be faithfully attending Mass for at least one year before they will be enrolled in the Confirmation program.

Individuals who are 18 years of age and older who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation are welcome to join our RCIA program for adults.

Confirmation is celebrated for our high school students in the Spring or Fall, as determined each year by the Archdiocese. This sacrament is a candidate's personal commitment to Christ and His Church.  Our high-school program is not based strictly on age or grade in school. Candidates work with their pastor, sponsors, and parents in determining their readiness for this sacrament.  Preparation for Confirmation is an individual process; the program can take two or more years, depending on the individual candidate's personal journey in faith.

In preparation to receive a strengthening of the Holy Spirit, confirmandi (young Christians preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation) will participate in a two-year program of prayer, instruction, and service. The requirements for Confirmation are:

Weekly Attendance at Sunday Mass with Family

Attendance and Participation in Classes for the Two-Year Program offered in October, December, February, and April.

Attendance at Night of Reflection in April or May, Just Prior to Receiving Confirmation

The omission of any of these criteria will lead to the deferral of receiving the sacrament until the following year or later.