First Reconciliation takes place in second grade (or when child has reached the age of 7). Students are prepared and encouraged to receive their First Reconciliation with their family in November. Students should have participated in either Faith Formation or be enrolled in Saint Dennis School for a year prior to their second-grade year.

• We will be using Dynamic Catholic’s “Blessed” series with students in class.
• Families are asked to do preparation at home as well using this “Blessed” series as well.
• First Reconciliation Retreat is required for one parent/guardian and student.
• Family Reconciliation Service – Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Students in second grade (or when child has reached the age of 7) are prepared and encouraged to receive their First Holy Communion at Mass the first three weekends in May. Sign-ups will be forthcoming for families who are going through the program. Children, along with a parent(s) must also attend a parent/child retreat in order to better prepare for this sacrament.

• We will be using Dynamic Catholic’s “Blessed” series with students in class.
• Families are asked to do preparation at home as well using “Blessed.”
• First Holy Communion Family Retreat
• The Sacrament of First Holy Communion

Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Since Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, it follows that “the faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time,” for without Confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 1306

Confirmation is not about deciding to be Catholic. By virtue of one’s baptism, they are already Catholic. Confirmation, a sacrament of initiation, completes baptism. Confirmation is more about a person responding to God’s generous outpouring of love and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

It is expected that students will have completed a minimum of one year prior in either a Faith Formation program or enrolled in a Catholic school before they enter the Confirmation program. If this is not the case, please contact Lisa Harms ([email protected]) to come up with a plan.

Please Note: Families with children who for any reason are beyond the regularly scheduled grade programs for the reception of the sacraments are urged to notify us and plans will be made to help them complete the necessary preparation.

Inquiries may be made to Lisa Harms.

Confirmation Preparation

Youth in their freshman year or beyond who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation have certain requirements that Saint Dennis Parish believes will better prepare them for this Sacrament. Note that these are not “hoops” for them to jump through or rules for rules sake. These requirements will give the young people a greater understanding of their Catholic faith and what is really important in their lives. It will teach them good decision-making skills that are vital to surviving in this world and bring them into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Confirmation Preparation Requirements

1. Attend the special Parent/Student meeting.
2. Participate in a one-on-one Confirmation interview with the Director of Faith Formation.
3. Each student should choose a sponsor. Parents need to take an active role in this process. A sponsor must be a person who has already received the Sacrament of Confirmation and needs to be someone other than the candidate’s parents. A sponsor should be someone who not only practices their Catholic faith, but an individual to whom your child can discuss deep spiritual issues. Each sponsor will receive a manual to assist with this important process. Sponsors are expected to meet with your child two to three times before Confirmation along with attending (virtually) one class per semester with their student. Students will also be conducting a Sponsor Interview to turn in. Sponsors will also be asked to come to two virtual classes.
4. Students will need to attend a Confirmation retreat second semester.
5. Regularly attend and participate in Mass and the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation.
6. We recommend 10 hours of service (5 per semester).
7. Interview with Director of Faith Formation.
8. Attend all Faith Formation Classes. Please download calendar for your reference.
9. Letter to the Bishop
10. Saint Report