Children's Sacramental Preparation
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The sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity."Catechism of the Catholic Church #1212
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SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR CHILDRENThe Diocese of Spokane instituted the 'restored order' of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation in 1998. This means that in continuity with the ancient tradition of the Church, the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion are conferred at the same Mass. The Sacrament of Penance is received prior to Confirmation and First Holy Communion.Parents are the first and primary educators of their children within the environment of the Domestic Church. It is essential that parents model the sacramental life (weekly Sunday Mass attendance and the regular reception of the Sacrament of Penance) and the life of virtue they wish to see cultivated in their children.
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Baptized children who have attained the age of reason, who have received instruction in the faith may begin the process of direct preparation for the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist. The child, with his/her parents, with the support and counsel from the Cathedral's clergy and staff discern readiness to receive the Sacraments.
Children may begin Sacramental Preparation in first grade, but most begin in second grade. Some families choose to have their child celebrate the Sacrament of Penance the year before receiving Confirmation and First Holy Communion, others discern preparation for all three Sacraments in the course of a year. Each approach can be very fruitful, and each child is unique.Families not registered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes must obtain the permission of their pastor in addition to completing the registration form and submitting the necessary documents. If you have any questions, please contact Sister Christiana Marie.
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Registration for Sacramental Preparation at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes is currently closed.
To register for Sacramental Preparation at the Cathedral, families are invited to enroll their children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd which meets weekly. Alternatively, families unable to enroll in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd may enroll in the weekly Sacramental Preparation classes which meet 4:00 pm - 5:00pm on Tuesdays - please note there is a fee of $100 per child for non-parishioners with this option. These options of formation are also designed for the needs of families who have older children who have not received Confirmation. This is usually the case for families who have moved to the Diocese of Spokane from other areas.
In addition to the weekly formation sessions, parents and children will meet for five one-hour meditations in preparation for the Sacrament of Penance in the weeks leading to the celebration of the Sacraments. The period of preparation will culminate with a three-day retreat.
If your child aged seven or older is in need of the Sacrament of Baptism, please complete this form
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