Sacraments (Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation)

God pours his grace out to us in Sacraments. The celebration of Sacraments is a graced time for the individual, the family, the parish, and the Church. Two years of preparation are required for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Catechesis and preparation may be provided in an Archdiocesan or private Catholic school or in PREP (Parish Religious Education Program). Guidelines set by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia concerning baptized children specify that the Sacrament of Reconciliation should be received prior to First Eucharist. Archdiocesan policy also requires that a child receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) in the parish where the family is registered, regardless of where they attend school.

The children generally receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Grade/Level 2 in late winter. They receive First Eucharist at a weekend Parish liturgy during the Easter Season. Beginning in the 2019/2020 school year, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred on students in Grade/Level 7 during the Easter Season. Unbaptized children of catechetical age will be initiated following the Order of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Additional details about celebration of Sacraments can be obtained by calling the Coordinator of Religious Education, Patricia Criniti, at 215-357-3445 or email abvmreo18@gmail.com.

Please note: For information about Sacramental preparation for adults, please see RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) in this directory or on the Religious Education Office webpage.