This year we will continue our Family Catechetical approach to the Religious Education program where the entire family is formed. Sacramental Preparation classes will be offered on Tuesdays after school and Wednesday evenings. General RE Classes will also be on Wednesday evenings. In November, we will begin monthly Family Formation meetings where the entire family is encouraged to attend and participate. Final preparations and the reception of Sacraments will be in April & May.
Registration for the “Program Year” begins in September with classes running from October - May. This year we will continue our Family Catechetical approach to the Religious Education program where the entire family is formed. Sacramental Preparation classes will be offered on Tuesdays after school and Wednesday evenings. General RE Classes will also be on Wednesday evenings. In November, we will begin monthly Family Formation meetings where the entire family is encouraged to attend and participate. Final preparations and the reception of Sacraments will be in March/April & May/June.
General Religious Education classes are offered on Wednesday evenings from 6pm - 7:15pm for Pre-K/Kindergarten/1st (lower grades) and 4th grade (upper grade) children using the Faith and Life Series Curriculum. This program provides "Foundation Year" support for children before entering into the Sacramental Process, and "Continued Formation" for children that have already celebrated Sacraments.
**Please note that there is no 2nd or 3rd grade offering as these grades are typically Sacramental grades for children in the Diocese of Phoenix.**
Sacramental Preparation classes are offered on Tuesdays after school from 2:30pm-4:00pm for eligible SJXXIII children in 2nd and 3rd grade (ONLY) preparing to receive their First Reconciliation or First Communion / Confirmation. Additionally, Sacramental Preparation classes are offered on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-7:15pm for eligible St. Bernadette Parish children in 2nd - 4th grade preparing to receive their First Reconciliation or First Communion / Confirmation. Older children in 5th grade and above needing Sacramental Preparation should contact the program director.
All Sacramental Preparation lesson are mandatory. In the event your child misses class, it is up to you to cover the lesson they missed. If attendance becomes an issue, your child may need to wait until a later date to receive Sacraments when the proper Formation requirements have been completed.
**Please also refer to the eligibility requirements for Sacramental Preparation**
Reception of Child Sacraments timeline in the Diocese of Phoenix:
Baptism (infancy before age 7)
Reconciliation (2nd Grade)
First Communion / Confirmation (3rd Grade)
Sacrament Eligibility Requirements: 1 prior year of formation is required for eligibility to prepare for Sacraments. Baptized children in 2nd grade or above are eligible for First Reconciliation preparation. Baptized children in 3rd grade or above that have also completed their First Reconciliation are eligible for First Communion/Confirmation preparation. Children only prepare for the reception of 1 Sacrament per program year.
Beginning in November through May, the entire family is invited to participate in our once a month Family Formation meeting. Meetings are always the 1st Sunday of the month after the morning Masses from 11:15am - 12:30pm. For families with children preparing for Sacraments, at least one parent and their child(ren) should attend these monthly meetings. For children needing to meet the "Foundational Year" requirement, you should also attend these monthly meetings as a family.
No child or family will be turned away due to financial hardship. Please contact the program director to request a scholarship if you need assistance with registration fees used for instruction and formation.
We need your support! Please consider volunteering and serving in our child and youth programs. Contact the program director for details about helping in our Catechetical programs.
“Do not be afraid of Christ. He takes nothing away, and He gives you everything. When we give ourselves to Him, we receive a hundredfold in return.” - Pope Benedict XVI
On behalf of the staff and members of the St. Bernadette Catholic Parish, we wish to thank you for choosing our parish for the ongoing formation process for you and your children. As always, we look forward to sharing with you an exciting faith-filled journey towards a deep and personal relationship with Christ and His Church.
Questions?
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