Religious Education - Sacraments

Religious Education Coordinator: Anna Harmata | Telephone: (773) 685-3785

Baptism is one of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation (along with Confirmation and the Eucharist) through which Catholics are incorporated as full members of the Church.

BAPTISM:

is the foundation for the Christian life;
confers sanctifying grace, that is, God’s life;
gives the baptized a new birth in which he or she becomes a child of God;
cleanses people from original sin and any personal sin (older children & adults);
incorporates members into the life, practices and mission of the Church;
imprints on their souls an indelible character that prepares them for worship, and is necessary for the salvation of those who have heard the gospel.

INFANT BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN UP TO AGE 7

The Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their child in the faith. In keeping with this belief, the Bishops of the United States ask that parents presenting an infant for Baptism must participate in a Baptismal Preparation Session..

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION SESSION FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN UP TO AGE 7

Baptism preparation sessions are being done online or in pesson. Preparation focuses on the spiritual and practical aspects of Baptism.

Topics covered:

The Important role of Catholic parents and godparents in passing on the faith.
Reflection on the life of the family and expectations of the Church.
History of the Sacrament of Baptism.
Meaning of the Sacrament.
Explanation of the Rite of Baptism and the symbols that are used.

To register for the Baptismal Preparation session, and to make arrangements for the date for a baby or child under 7 years old, please call Anna Adamowski, Office Manager at 773 5458840 or email church@stpriscilla.org

BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN AGES 7 THROUGH AGE 12

Baptism for children age 7 through age 12 is celebrated following the completion of a preparation process. Children participate in classes in Religious Education Program. Parents participate in few preparation sessions along with their child.
To initiate the process for the Baptism of a child age 7 through 12, and for more information, contact Anna Harmata PA/CRE Tel 773 685 3785 or email aharmata@archchicago.org

BAPTISM FOR TEENS AGES 13-18

Baptism for teens is celebrated at the Easter Vigil liturgy the evening before Easter Sunday. They receive the sacraments o Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation during that same liturgy. Preparation takes place through the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Catholic Christians. Preparation for receiving the sacred Body and Blood of Christ begins at birth as parents teach their children the importance of our Sunday celebration. Coming to the Eucharist (Mass) every week is central to our faith-life and provides the nourishment needed to live our daily lives.

There are many opportunities at St. Priscilla to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Daily Mass at 8:00AM and 7:30 PM (Pol.) Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM and 9:00AM(Pol.) on Saturday.
Saturday (anticipated for Sunday)at 4:00PM.
Sunday Mass at 8:30, 10:30 AM(Pol.), 12:30PM, and 6:00 PM (Pol.)

FIRST EUCHARIST (FIRST HOLY COMMUNION) FOR CHILDREN IN 2ND GRADE

The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist nourishes the child who began her/his initiation into the Catholic Church at Baptism.

Children prepare to receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist for two years in first and second grades through St. Priscilla Religious Education Program. As we know, parents are the first and primary educators of their child in matters of faith. Hence, parent participation and involvement in sacrament preparation is essential for your child to understand this sacrament.

Parents and children must attend Sunday Mass on a regular basis. A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate must be on file in the Religious Education Office.

There is a team, who works together with our children. It is comprised of their parents, catechists, parish staff and priests.

Parents attend family meetings and a “parents only” meetings.
Parents and child together attend a First Eucharist Retreat on a Saturday afternoon to help them understand more fully that they are receiving the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Parents and child together attend First Eucharist rehearsal a week before the celebration.
Reconciliation is held a week before First Communion. First Eucharist is celebrated in May.

FIRST EUCHARIST FOR CHILDREN IN GRADES 3 TO 7

Children in grades 3 through 7 who have not yet received the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, attend the Religious Education Program with the supplement materials on their grade level during the first year. The next year she/he attends the Sacramental Preparation Class. It prepares the 3rd through 7th grade child for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
Parents are required to attend preparation classes for Reconciliation and Eucharist and to participate in any projects deemed necessary by the teacher or CRE.

FIRST EUCHARIST FOR 13-16 YEAR OLDS

Young men and woman (ages 13-16) who have not received First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and/or Confirmation are to participate in our Religious Education Program- with the supplemental materials for two full years. For the first year the student will be placed in Year 1 Confirmation Preparation Class. During the second year, the student will attend Year 2 Confirmation Preparation Class. During this time students will prepare to receive the Sacraments of the First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. They will receive sacraments First Holy Communion and Confirmation during the Confirmation Celebration.

FIRST EUCHARIST FOR ADULTS

Adults (College age and older) who have not received their First Eucharist are invited to participate in preparations that takes place through the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

For more information on the Sacrament of First Eucharist, please contact Anna Harmata, the Coordinator of Religious Education, at 773 6853785 or via email at aharmata@archchicago.org

CONFIRMATION

The Christian life is an ongoing journey. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and reaffirm our baptismal commitment to the Mission of Christ. The Spirit comes to us, enabling and empowering us to live as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church and sons and daughters of God who extend the message of Christ to the world. Christ sends us out to share his love.

CONFIRMATION FOR Grade 7 and 8

Young people prepare for this sacrament during two years of religion classes at St. Priscilla Religious Education Program. Typically, a candidate for Confirmation is in 7th and 8th grades for this two- year journey. Other requirements include regular attendance at Mass, journaling mass, attendance at a parent and student meeting, service hours (20). attendance at the Confirmation retreat.

A copy of the baptismal and first communion certificate must be on file. Confirmation is usually held during the season of Lent. Confirmation students are expected to continue with classes until the end of the year.

CONFIRMATION FOR 13-18 YEAR OLDS

Any older child who has not received the sacraments of Confirmation must attend and participate in our program for two full years. For the first year the student will be placed in Year 1 Confirmation Class. During the second year, the candidate will be placed in Year 2 Confirmation Class.

As we know, parents are the first and primary educators of their child. Hence, parent participation and involvement in sacrament preparation is essential for your child to understand this sacrament.

CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS

Adults (college age and up) who are seeking to be Confirmed are invited to discuss their faith journey and to determine the appropriate preparation and the timing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. For more information, contact Anna Harmata PA/CRE Tel 773 685 3785 or email aharmata@archchicago.org