Sacrament Preparation

The Sacraments are at the heart of Catholic life, are expressions of our faith, and are essential to what it means to live as a Catholic Christian. Our Sacrament Preparation process provides children and their parents with opportunities to grow in faith and deepen their understanding of the Sacraments they are preparing to receive.

Sacrament Preparation is available for children and youth ages 7–17 who meet the appropriate eligibility requirements for Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.

Because participation in the sacramental life of the Church begins with participation in the life of the parish, families seeking Sacrament Preparation must be regularly attending Sunday Mass. Regular Mass attendance may be verified in a variety of ways, including consistent use of parish envelopes and regular interaction with Fr. John or other parish staff who can confirm the family's ongoing participation in the parish community.

First Reconciliation (Confession)

Requirements for First Reconciliation

• Family regularly attends Mass
• Child has completed one full year of Family Faith Formation at St. Thomas More
• Child is in the 2nd grade or above
• Baptism certificate is provided
• Child participates in Family Faith Formation/High School Ministry during the same year they are enrolled in Sacrament Preparation
• Parent(s) attend required Sacrament Preparation sessions with their child

Confirmation and First Communion

Requirements for Confirmation and First Communion

• Family regularly attends Mass
• Child has completed one full year of Family Faith Formation at St. Thomas More
• Child has celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• Child is in the 3rd grade or above
• Baptism certificate is provided
• Child participates in Family Faith Formation/High School Ministry during the same year they are enrolled in Sacrament Preparation
• Parent(s) attend required Sacrament Preparation sessions with their child
• Both sacraments are prepared for and celebrated together

Order of Christian Initiation of Children – O.C.I.C.

This program is for children age seven and older who are unbaptized, as well as children from another Christian faith community who wish to enter the Catholic Church.

For Sacrament Preparation program information, the child’s parent or legal guardian may contact Michaela Jones at 623-322-6811 or mjones@stmglendale.org.