Preparation for the sacraments is a very important part of the curriculum in the Faith Formation program at Nativity of Our Lord Parish.  Our goal is to work closely with our students and their parents to as they learn the beautiful rituals and sacraments of our faith.  Our Faith Formation programs help to prepare our students for the following sacraments:

• First Reconciliation

• First Communion

• Confirmation

First Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift of peace offered each of us by God as we strive to live our faith according to Christ's model. We sin when we turn away from God's love by acting in ways that do not follow the teachings of Christ. Through the wonderful Sacrament of Reconciliation we ask for and receive God's forgiveness.

Preparation
Preparation for First Reconciliation takes place at Nativity before the child receives his or her First Holy Communion. In most cases, this preparation occurs during the child's second grade year. Preparation includes classroom activities and an evening Parent/Child Workshop. Materials to help families participate in the preparation process will be distributed at an evening Parent Preparation session in December.

Classes
First Reconciliation preparation begins in late Fall and takes place during regular Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes. Contact Randy Mueller at the Parish office at 651-696-5454 for more information.

Celebration
Your child and his or her classmates will celebrate their First Reconciliation in the main sanctuary of the church on a Wednesday evening in January 2007. As important role models, the children's parents also receive the Sacrament.

First Communion

Celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the life of the Church. At Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church we make every effort to make the first time our second graders receive the Body and Blood of Christ a memorable celebration for our young people and their families. The children spend the second half of the year several months understanding and preparing to receive this beautiful sacrament.   Parents, teachers and our parish priests work together to help prepare the children for this special day.

Preparation

Preparation to receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time normally takes place when a child is in second grade.   Parent involvement is strongly encouraged and supported through materials distributed at two critical workshops – a Parent-only session followed by a Parent/Child Workshop in April.

Classes

Family Orientation takes place in late fall. Preparation formally begins in January as part of the regular Wednesday Evening Faith Formation Program.

Special Arrangements

Special arrangements for First Communion preparation can be made for children who may have missed their preparation in their second grade year.   Call Randy Mueller at the Parish Office 651-696-5454 to discuss alternatives.

 For more information contact Randy Mueller by calling the Parish Office 651-696-5454 or by e-mailing him at:   rmueller@nativity-mn.org

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Confirmation

By the time parish youth enter seventh grade, most have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and the Eucharist. As they enter middle school, they are ready to participate more fully in the Catholic church through the Sacrament of Confirmation, through which they are anointed with the oil of salvation and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Preparation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is an important step in the life of Catholics and we are delighted that you are considering joining your peers on this faith journey.

Preparation for the Sacrament requires the full participation of the student, including regular attendance at the Wednesday evening confirmation classes, discussion and reflection on the teachings of the Church and completion of 30 hours of service to the parish, community and their families. At Nativity, preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation is open to any youth who is at least in seventh grade. We invite you to take this opportunity to enter into Catholic life more fully.

As with the other Sacraments of Initiation, Confirmation allows you to join a community of Catholics. The preparation involved also helps you to better understand Christ's teachings of Christ more fully.

Sponsors

All candidates for Confirmation are required to choose a sponsor who is Catholic and lives a faithful Catholic lifestyle. This sponsor will act as a spiritual guide and companion to the confirmation candidate. In this capacity, Confirmation sponsors will:

• Participate in faith sharing discussions with the candidate
• Participate in the Confirmation rite.
• Be a source of information about Catholic beliefs and traditions.

Classes

Confirmation preparation takes place during regularly scheduled Wednesday Evening Faith Formation classes beginning in September.   Confirmation candidates are expected to attend every meeting and prepare for each meeting through personal prayer and completing the required readings.

Celebrations

Candidates who have been properly prepared will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at a special celebration at the Cathedral in St. Paul. One of theArchdiocesan Bishops will preside.   Candidates also will participate in a special Confirmation Vigil the evening before the Confirmation ceremonly and a Sunday Welcoming Mass held at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church.

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