“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
~ Mt 19:14

Faith formation programs for children allow them to develop their faith through the witness of adults. They provide a comprehensive and systematic program of instruction and formation in the different dimensions of the Christian faith.

The goal of faith formation programs in our parishes and schools is twofold:

• To introduce children to the person of Jesus Christ and present his teachings, ministry and major events of his life.

• To assist children in learning the parables, formal prayers, sacred Scripture and meaning of the Sacraments.

Baptism

For infant baptism, parishes are expected to provide catechetical preparation for parents, candidates’ siblings, godparents and liturgical assemblies. This sacramental catechesis flows from the liturgical rite and draws on the signs and symbols used in the rite of baptism. Preparation should also include catechesis on the role of the Christian family and the rights and responsibilities that parents accept in presenting their child for baptism.

Reconciliation

First reception of this sacrament takes place during the Advent season in any of the following ways:

• Individually at the regular parish worship
• At a parish reconciliation service
• At a special reconciliation service where families receive the sacrament together

Confirmation and First Eucharist

For individuals baptized in infancy, the sacrament of confirmation will ordinarily be received at the age of discretion, 7 years old, at the same celebration as first Eucharist at a Sunday liturgy during the Easter season.

Catechesis for confirmation and first Eucharist should emphasize the theology of Christian initiation, which links baptism, confirmation and Eucharist as one process incorporating one into a lifelong journey of conversion in faith.

The primary focus in preparing children for these sacraments of initiation should be spiritual formation.