At St. Peter Parish, we assist and support parents, who are the first educators of the faith for their children. Parents may enroll their children in the parish’s preparation programs for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, and Baptism of Non-Infant Children at the appropriate ages and when they are ready according to the norms enunciated for each Sacrament. First and foremost, preparation for the Sacraments begins with the regular practice of the faith  by the family. The very necessary minimum for prayer and moral effort for all the faithful is defined as:


                                                                    THE PRECEPTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH:

                          1. Attend Mass on Sundays & Holy days of Obligation and rest from servile labor.
                          2. Confess one's sins in Confession at least once a year.
                          3. Receive the Eucharist at least once a year during Eastertime.
                          4. Observe the days of fasting and abstinence as defined by the Church, and help to
                              provide for the needs of the Church through stewardship.

[Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2041-2043]

The sacraments are divided into: the sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist); the sacraments of healing (Penance and Anointing of the Sick); and the sacraments at the service of communion and mission (Holy Orders and Matrimony). The sacraments touch all the important moments of Christian life. All of the sacraments are ordered to the Holy Eucharist “as to their end” (Saint Thomas Aquinas).

Christian initiation is accomplished by means of the sacraments which establish the foundations of Christian life. The faithful born anew by Baptism are strengthened by Confirmation and are then nourished by the Eucharist. [Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 250 - 251]

Our Diocese follows the Restored Order of Sacraments. Preparation for Sacraments spans three-years so we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the process. Children generally begin the pre-sacramental preparation at age 5 or 6 depending on their maturity level and family faith life.

1. The first year of preparation lays the foundation.
2. The second year of study prepares them for the Sacrament of Confession.
3. The third year of study prepares them to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of First Eucharist.