Diocesan Sacramental Preparation Guidelines
June 13, 2019
Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua
Dear Reverend Monsignor and Reverend Fathers,
On September 7, 2017, I issued a letter to priests with an accompanying guideline for sacramental preparation. This current letter builds upon the premises articulated in my previous letter and guideline as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough embarks on its first year of full implementation of the consistent parish-based sacramental preparation program for Confirmation, Chosen. As we enter this year, it is timely to review the steps and expectations we have established in our parishes, families, and schools.
The distinction between the remote preparation provided through Catholic Education and the immediate preparation for the sacraments provided by the parish has been embraced by parishes and schools alike. I note that the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ and Fully Alive programs support the children’s remote preparation well and there are many examples of fruitful collaboration between the parish catechists and classroom teachers to support the children’s learning and growth in the Faith.
For the parish-based sacramental preparation programs, I emphasize the need for four consistent pieces as follows:
- The program for the children must be the one approved for use in the Diocese.
- First Reconciliation – Celebrate and Remember Reconciliation
- First Eucharist – Celebrate and Remember Eucharist
- Confirmation – Chosen: Your Journey toward Confirmation
- The age for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is Grade 2. The age for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is Grade 7 or Grade 7/8 in parishes where Confirmation is celebrated every other year.
- The amount of time for the session must be scheduled to a maximum of 90 minutes per session or the time noted for the retreats.
- The sacramental preparation program for the immediate preparation to receive the sacrament is offered in the parish.
Next year, the letter from the young person requesting to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will be addressed to both the Pastor and me. The Pastor will read them first and if there are more than ten letters, prepare a one-page summary. The letters and summary will be sent to my office with the Parish Completion Package.
With respect to the Sacrament of Confirmation, the number and time commitment of the parent sessions will be consistent as outlined in the Diocesan program details but the adult program choice is more flexible and left to the discretion of the pastor.
Children with special needs require program accommodations to prepare for the reception of the sacraments and these accommodations should be discussed with the child’s parents. A good discussion with the parents supports a wholesome and shared understanding of serving the child together.
I take this opportunity to thank the pastors, families, parish catechists, school staff, and the Diocesan Sacramental Preparation Committee members for your faithful support of our young people as they prepare to receive the sacraments.
Yours in Christ,
†Most Reverend Daniel J. Miehm, D.D.
Bishop of Peterborough