St. Gabriel Catholic Church

Our sacramental preparation program (for First Reconciliation and Communion) is a two year process; these two years must be consecutive. The soonest this process can begin is first grade. The first year consists of a complete faith formation year (in-class attendance with no more than 3 absences). This is for the child to gain an understanding of the faith and develop community in the church. The following year (typically the child’s second grade year), will consist of in-person class attendance as well as the completion of an at home curriculum to provide immediate formation for the sacraments. The family will complete 2 separate curricula, Mend and Nourish, over the course of the year. These boxes contain all materials needed to complete family meetings covering the teachings of the Church in a hands-on fashion.

After each family meeting, you will send a verification that your family has completed it to the Faith Formation office. Sacrament Prep families will also be required to attend an Advent Family Night and Lent Family Night as well as a parent/child retreat in the spring.

During this second year, children will also receive a Mass Journal. Weekly Sunday Mass attendance is required, not just as a requirement of our program, but a requirement as baptized Catholics. Each week the child will write 2-3 sentences about something they heard or saw in Mass that week. For example, something in the readings that stood out to them or a story from the priest’s homily that was interesting. These journals would be brought to class each week.

Prior to beginning the second year of sacrament prep, a parent or guardian and the student will meet with a staff member to verify placement into the Sacrament 2 program.