Sacramental Preparation
“Parents are the first and foremost teachers of their children. They teach informally but powerfully by example and instruction. They communicate values and attitudes by showing love for Christ and His church and for each other, by reverently receiving the Eucharist and living in its spirit, and by fostering justice and love in all their relationships. It is the parents’ nurturing of faith in their children that show them the richness and beauty of lived faith”. (Sharing the Light of Faith #212)
The goal of our religious education program first and foremost is to support parents in their role as primary educators of their children. By working together we are able to offer our children and youth opportunities for our Catholic faith to come alive by introducing them to a living relationship with God our Father through his son, Jesus Christ. This journey is a lifelong one and therefore our program is set up so that each year builds upon the next to help growth in understanding at each grade level.
The Religious Education curriculum forms part of the whole religious dimension, along with class and community prayer, liturgy and ritual, social justice activities, celebration of feasts and seasons, preparation for and celebration of Sacraments, and participation in the life and work of the parish and wider Church.
It is through the gifts of our volunteer catechists and by God’s graces that we are able to provide our religious education program to our children and youth. If you are interested in sharing your talents in a classroom as a teacher or aide, please call one of the offices or the Centre for Christ (numbers below).
Families who would like their children to participate in the Religious Education program must be registered members of one of the ACC parishes. For questions or to register your child for Religious Education classes, call the Centre for Christ or North office at 320-352-2196, or the South office at 320-254-8218. For more information about our program requirements and policies, refer to our religious education handbook.
First Sacraments
First Reconciliation and First Communion are celebrated in the 2nd grade. Preparation for the Sacraments is a two year process beginning in 1st grade as the children are introduced into the life of the Church community. Children who are not enrolled in the first grade will be placed in a special class to cover the first year material. A determination will then be made as to when they are ready to receive the Sacraments.
Children who are beyond the 2nd grade and have not yet received the Sacraments will receive private tutoring in addition to their regular classroom work to prepare for the Sacraments.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is received and celebrated with 10th & 11th graders. The program is comprehensive and builds upon all formation received in prior grades. A more focused study begins for 9th & 10th graders and culminates with reception of the Sacrament in 10th & 11th grade. The Centre for Christ runs the St. Paul’s and OLA programs, while St. Alexius (West ACC) and BBE (South ACC) each have their individual confirmation programs.