Sacraments
First Holy Communion
This sacrament is received traditionally during the second-grade school year. Parents are expected to attend one parent meeting held during the year and to work actively along with their child at home. Children participate in a half-day retreat experience early in the second semester. Children and parents have the option of participating in individual reception of First Communion during any scheduled weekday or weekend liturgy. Class Celebration of Holy Communion will take place on May 6, 2012.First Reconciliation
A child's first reception of Reconciliation is in a private setting during the second grade school year.Confirmation
In addition to attending GIFT sessions and classes, youth in their junior year who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation have additional requirements. 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 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 hopefully bring them into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.We ask each youth to 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. The meetings should be about an hour and could be accomplished at a quiet coffee shop or during dinner.
Students will need to attend one of the Confirmation retreats at Saint Dennis. You may choose February 12 or February 19. Both retreats begin at 9am and finish at 5pm. If the date is a problem, please discuss this ahead of time with Deacon David Hendrickson so he can help you find another church for your child to fulfill this requirement.