In the Diocese of Raleigh, the preparation for receiving First Penance/First Eucharist, like Confirmation, is a two-year program, with one’s First Penance/First Eucharist usually taking place in the 2^nd grade.  However, to be properly prepared, the Diocesan norms note that one must have been enrolled in 1^st grade the year prior.  It is essential that your child is enrolled in 1st grade to begin learning basic prayers and Church teaching that is built upon in the 2^nd grade.  Please note that if your child has not been baptized, they will not be eligible to receive First Eucharist and will need to work with the Director of Faith Formation and be brought through the OCIA catechetical process adapted for children (OCIC).
 
Requirements:
For one to properly be prepared to receive the Eucharist, one must:

1. Be baptized and provide proof of baptism
2. Fulfill one’s Sunday obligation to attend Mass EACH WEEK.
3. Be in one’s second consecutive year of religious education/sacramental preparation.
4. Attend 75% of classes throughout the two-year preparation period
5. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to reception of the Eucharist
6. Attend all Parent/Communicant meetings

If you are transferring from another Parish, the Director of Faith Formation will need a signed letter from your previous Parish/School noting the child’s name, grades and dates attended, and curriculum used.

Program Overview: Two years of Confirmation formation are required by the Bishop of Raleigh prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Beginning in September 2025, there will be separate sessions (classes) for Confirmation I and Confirmation II candidates.  Students will meet with the Formation Program leaders one Thursday evening per month between 5pm and 7pm.  Supper will be provided for both classes in Founders Hall at 5PM on class nights.  Candidates will break into separate class sessions at 5:30PM.   Parents and sponsors are always welcome to attend the sessions as well and are encouraged to do so.   Virtual small group or individual conferences with one of the team leaders will also be scheduled with candidates between monthly seminar class meetings to review progress and for further catechesis and spiritual guidance.   Other requirements of the program include regular attendance at Sunday Mass, participation in the Sacraments of the Church, charitable service work, and yearly organized retreat days for the class as a group, and periodic, planned liturgical rites.¹   

Resources: Chosen: Your Journey to Confirmation, Ascension Press, Stephanick & Bolster, 2022.  Textbook and online access will be provided. 

Confirmation Team Leaders: Rev. Jay Selvaraj

                                                          Deacon Greg Cross

                                                          Deacon Tim Keane

                                                          Carolyn Gale

       Robert Graziano

Class Dates:

Semester 1

September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18 

 Semester 2

                   January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21

¹ Vespers, Stations of the Cross, Adoration and Benediction.   

Contact:  Deacon Gregory Cross,  [email protected]

                 Director, Religious Education  

New Student Registration Form

Sacramental Information Form