Sacramental Info

OLC PREP (Parish Religious Education Program)

Mrs. Jeanne Marie Havrilla, DRE

The Sacraments of Initiation for Children

Let the children come to me, says the Lord, and do not hinder them.

Baptism:  it is generally assumed that children who are attending PREP are baptized in the Catholic faith.  Today, that is not always the case, nor is it a deterrent for parents who wish for their children to be educated in the Catholic faith.  New students beginning PREP must have a Baptismal certificate from the parish where the child was baptized.  We will need to keep this certificate, so kindly call the parish where the child was baptized for a copy of the original.  If your child is not yet baptized, kindly contact the Pastor and make an appointment to see him about arranging for your child’s baptism.  He is very happy to meet and discuss this with you.

First Penance and Reconciliation and First Holy Communion:  In accordance with the request of Archbishop Chaput, and in conjunction with the local Regional Catholic Schools of our area, we now celebrate these Sacraments during 2nd grade.  It is a general policy of the Archdiocese, to have at least two years of instruction prior to the children receiving their Sacraments.  This is also our general practice at OLC.

Important Dates for Parents and Children of our 2nd graders

  • Sacramental Prep Meeting for Parents and Children (For Penance):  Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Church.
  • Celebration of First Penance and Reconciliation:  Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m.  (In the event of a weather-need reschedule, will will contact everyone directly)
  • Sacramental Prep Meeting for Parents and Children (For Holy Communion):  Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Church.
  • CRO Sessions for Parents only in Preparation for First Holy Communion:  Tuesdays, April 12, 19, 26, 2015 at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Rectory Meeting Room.
  • Retreat Day for Children in Preparation for First Holy Communion:  Sunday, April 24, Noon to 3:00 p.m. in the Church
  • Practice for First Holy Communion for ALL Children for First Holy Communion:  Tuesday, May 3, at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Church
  • Celebration of First Holy Communion:  Saturday, May 7 at 10:30 p.m.  Children need to report by 9:30 a.m. to the Church Hall.
  • May Procession involving our First Communicants:  Sunday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. Mass.

First Penance:  Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church

First Holy Communion:  is celebrated on the First Saturday in May at 10:30 a.m. This year, May 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.

Confirmation:  is celebrated in the Fall of seventh grade.  The students are instructed during the 6th grade/level of PREP and then again in the early Fall of seventh grade for the reception of this Sacrament. In our Archdiocese, the Bishops of the diocese write during the summer in order to arrange for a date.  We are asked to submit three possible dates, and then in late summer, the Bishop’s Office confirms the date with us.  Student-Candidates for Confirmation must be enrolled in PREP for the consecutive grades/levels of 4-6 th grades, or attendance at Catholic Parochial School for their preparation of the Sacrament.  

Sacramental and Prep Meeting for Parents and 6th Students for Confirmation 2016:  Tuesday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Church.

Confirmation Retreat was held in March during the Saints Alive Presentation and Activities Day at Cardinal O’Hara.  Our Students really enjoyed this format.

Meetings for our Sacramental PREP for Confirmation

  • Tuesday, September 20, 2016:   6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in School for Gathering One
  • Sunday, September 25, 2016:  10:30 a.m. in Church for Mass
  • Tuesday, September 27, 2016:  6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in School for Gathering Two  (Forms are due)
  • Tuesday, October 4, 2016:  6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in School for Gathering Three (Saint Products are due)
  • Tuesday, October 18, 2016:  Noon to 2:30 in Church, Confirmation Practice, Tentatively Scheduled, for now.  (May be adjusted for proximity to actual date) Sponsors and Parents are to attend the Practice.

Our celebrations of Sacraments are always to include our parish children who attend one of the neighboring Catholic Schools.  This is a requirement which I am resolute.  The main work of the Parish is to celebrate the Sacraments for all its members.  These First-Sacraments are not school events, they are parish celebrations.   Since our school abruptly closed in June 2011, I have not allowed our parish children to receive their sacraments in any other place.  I care too much about our parish to do so.