FIRST SACRAMENTS

Welcome to the preparation process for children (and their families) preparing to celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist for the first time!

I believe that preparing children for Reconciliation and Eucharist is a wonderful opportunity for families. As a parent/guardian, you are your child's primary religious educator.  Your child watches what you do, absorbs your values, and looks to you for guidance.  It is through you that your child learns to relate to God and others.  Modeling for your child an openness to receiving the gift of God's unconditional love is perhaps the core of your parental responsibility. 

These sacraments are received by children usually in the second grade or as they reach the age of reason. 

If your child is older than second grade and has not yet received these sacraments, simply contact me, Becky at (608) 356-5353, and I will discuss alternatives with you.

Becky Thompson, Coordinator of Sacrament Preparation

(608) 356-5353

FIRST RECONCILIATION PREP

• October 7, 2026
• October 28, 2026
• November 18, 2026

RETREAT & FIRST CONFESSIONS 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREP

• February 24, 2027
• March 17, 2027
• April 7, 2027

POTLUCK & REHEARSAL

• April 21, 2027 - Sacred Heart
• April 28, 2027 - St. Joseph
• May 5, 2027 - St. Cecilia

CELEBRATION OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

• April 25, 2027 at 1 p.m. - Sacred Heart
• May 2, 2027 at 1 p.m. - St. Joseph
• May 9, 2027 at 10 a.m. - St. Cecilia

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation confirms or completes the sacramental grace of Baptism. Through this sacrament of initiation, the power and grace of the Holy Spirit is poured out in its fullness and the candidate is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Open Wide the Doors of Christ: Discovering Catholicism, Lucas Pollice, MTS

OTHER DIOCESAN GUIDELINES

• Preparation for the sacraments should be distinct from regular, ongoing formation in the faith. Specifically, Confirmation preparation should not take the place of an entire year (or multiple years) of high school formation in a parish
  
  
• Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. It is expected that every parent of a Confirmandi understands the preparation process and joins in committing to help form their child(ren) during this process.
  
  
• In the two semesters leading to Confirmation, there should be 12 hours of immediate preparation offered for the sacrament of Confirmation in the home parish.

CONFIRMATION

Sessions will be on Wednesday evenings at St. Joseph at 7:30 p.m.

• September 23, 2026
• October 14, 2026
• November 11, 2026
• December 16, 2026

• January 20, 2027
• February 17, 2027
• March 10, 2027
• April 14, 2027
  
  

Retreat -TBD

BECKY THOMPSON

Coordinator of Sacrament Preparation

(608) 356-5353