The pastors and Directors of Faith Formation and Religious Education of St. Cecilia in Glen Carbon, Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville and St. Jerome in Troy, as well as the Director of Liturgy and Music at St. John Neumann School, are pleased to present the following guidelines for parish children preparing for the sacraments of First Penance, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.

The Rationale for the Policy

The universal law of the Church clearly states that Aparents above others are obliged to form their children in the faith and practice of the Christian life by word and example@ (#774.2). The law goes on to explain the role of the pastor who is Abound to provide for the catechetical formation of adults, young people and children. The pastor is to promote and foster the role of parents in the family catechesis@ (#776). AThe pastor is to make particular provision that children are properly prepared for the first reception of the sacraments of penance, and the Most Holy Eucharist and the sacrament of confirmation by means of a catechetical formation given over an appropriate period of time@ (#777.2). 

In 1978, the Catholic Bishops of the United States issued a document titled Sharing the Light of Faith: National Catechetical Directory for Catholics in the United States. When addressing the sacrament of Confirmation, it states, ACatechesis for this sacrament takes place within the parish community, which has an obligation to participate in the catechetical preparation of those to be confirmed. The parish is the faith community into whose life of prayer and worship they will be more fully initiated. As the primary educators of their children, parents, along with sponsors, are to intimately involved in the catechesis for Confirmation. The parental program is an important element in planning for Confirmation for children and young people@ (119).

This national document again reaffirms the role of parents in the preparation of children for First Eucharist. AParents have a right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for First Communion. Catechesis aims to help parents grow in understanding of the Eucharist and participate readily in catechizing their children (#122).

Sharing the Light of Faith makes the same point when addressing the catechesis for the sacrament of Reconciliation. AParents should be involved in the preparation of children for this sacrament@ (126).

The Church has never wavered in its insistence on the primary role of parents in the education and religious formation of their children. Catholic schools and religious education programs assist in this responsibility but can never substitute for the word and example of parents.

The Policy

Preparation for sacraments for children attending St. John Neumann School is to take place by the parents. The parish of one=s membership will provide opportunities for parents to enhance their own experience of faith, as well as provide tools for the education and formation of their children. The religious curriculum of St. John Neumann will supplement this family catechesis, but will not substitute for it.

Each sponsoring parish (St. Cecilia, Mother of Perpetual Help, St. Jerome) will provide parents with necessary information regarding dates of parent meetings, as well as celebrations prior to the reception of the sacraments. Please contact the parish Director of Faith Formation or Religious Education for details. The actual celebration of the sacraments of First Penance, Confirmation, and First Eucharist is to take place in the parish where one worships every Sunday. St. John Neumann may provide an additional worship service and/or reception to honor those who have celebrated the sacraments at their home parish.

Special Circumstances

Children who attend St. John Neumann who have never been baptized and wish to be will be expected to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at their respective parish.

Baptized children who enroll in St. John Neumann after the first grade who have had no formal religious instruction or formation, and wish to celebrate the sacraments of Penance, Confirmation or First Eucharist will be expected to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at their respective parish.

Children who attend St. John Neumann School who do not belong to the one of the three sponsoring parishes should inquire at their respective parish as to the procedure to follow for preparation. These parents may be asked to participate in one of the preparation processes at St. Cecilia, Mother of Perpetual Help or St. Jerome. The pastor of ones respective parish will offer guidance in this matter.

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