Reconciliation & Communion
In Grade Two, the children prepare to receive two sacraments: Reconciliation and Communion. Their journey begins with the Enrollment Celebration held in the fall. The students gather with their parents at Mass and the children renew publicly the vows done for them at Baptism – they say a strong “I do” to the faith of the Church. They submit signed promises agreeing to do activities as a family throughout the year to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. These pledges of time and prayer will help prepare their hearts to receive Christ in these new ways.
In February, the children celebrate their First Reconciliation during an evening celebration and the whole family is welcome to attend. Each child meets Jesus in this new special way, understanding that he is always there to forgive their sins and to comfort them. The child receives the Sacrament and the whole family is given a blessing of peace – and then sent forth to celebrate that “the lost have been found.”
In May, the children and their families gather for the greatest feast of all – the Eucharist – Holy Communion! This celebration is held on a Saturday afternoon and involves the students of the school and the Parish Religious Education Program.
Confirmation
Confirmation is an initiation sacrament. It’s about celebrating one’s commitment to the Catholic faith and promising to maintain a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit.
At Our Lady of Mercy, Grade Seven students receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring. Their spiritual journey begins in the fall with the Enrollment Mass. At this Mass, students renew their Baptismal vows in front of the priest, their parents, and the church parishioners. This Mass initiates the students as Confirmation Candidates charged with the responsibility to strengthen their faith for the service of others. Throughout the year, the students complete the Confirmation Program with their classroom teacher. This program follows the education curriculum framework set by CISVA. Outside of school, students attend Mass, Spirit Day, a spiritual retreat, complete service hours, and choose a Confirmation name and a Sponsor to support them in this journey.
Sacramental Buddies
The Sacraments mark our journey as Christians building a relationship with Christ. A journey is always easier when accompanied by a friend to share stories and experiences with. The Grade Seven students, who are preparing for Confirmation, have been paired with the Grade Two students who are preparing to receive their First Reconciliation and Communion. Together these “Sacramental Buddies” pray for one another and work on projects together that strengthen a spiritual partnership.
School Masses
Mass is a way of increasing the faith of our children and building a strong Christian community. Attendance at, and participation in, the Parish Sunday Masses is an essential feature of our school families’ lives. Masses are regularly offered for the whole school, one Friday each month. Students are given an opportunity to share in the preparation of the Masses and parents are invited to attend. Non-Catholic students will receive a special blessing at communion.