Sacramental Preparation
Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist are the Sacraments of Initiation and foundational for every Christian life. Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing. Christ’s mercy and absolution, received through a Catholic priest, restores our relationship with the Father. Our Lady of Consolation Parish offers a comprehensive sacrament preparation for both children and youth. Preparation includes parents and sponsors to nurture the spiritual life of the entire family.
If your child has not been baptized, or is older than seven years old, please contact the Faith Formation Office at (616) 866-2577. We will assist and celebrate the baptism of your child or children!
Families with Special Needs:
The National Directory for Catechesis reminds us that persons with disabilities, especially children, are particularly beloved of the Lord and are integral members of the Christian community. Every person with a disability has catechetical needs that the Christian community must recognize and provide. All baptized persons have a right to adequate catechesis and deserve the means to develop a deeper relationship with God.
Our Faith Formation team works with each family to identify the best and most appropriate opportunity for their child. We provide weekly instruction, resources, and materials that your child may need in the classroom, at home, or as a one-on-one session. No child is denied. We work with everyone based on their abilities!
Please contact the OLC Faith Formation Office at (616) 866-2577 for more information or with questions.
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist:
Coordinator: Donna Phillips | dphillips@olcparish.net | 616 866-2577 ext. 212
Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist begins when your child is three years old. You may wonder how is this possible? Our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd nurtures the spiritual formation of children three years of age through first-grade. Children encounter Jesus, the Liturgy, Scripture, and Sacraments using hands-on Montessori methods. Our CGS Atrium is located in education wing, room #315, which was a collaborative effort between our OLC School and OLC Education Foundation.
Children enrolled in 2nd-grade, at school and in Traditional Catechesis, formally prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then Holy Eucharist. Besides attending weekly classes, sacrament students and their parents must attend scheduled retreats and meetings. These mandatory events provide additional sacrament formation to ensure your child is fully prepared to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
Requirements:
- Children must attend Weekly 2nd-Grade Traditional Faith Formation Classes.
- Parental Involvement at home, at meetings, and scheduled special events are essential and required.
- Readiness for the Reception of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist will be determined by the Parents, Elementary Sacrament Coordinator, and Pastor.
Elementary Faith Formation partners with all OLC Families during the Preparations and Reception of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Here are important sacrament details:
- Complete the Sacrament Form.
- Baptismal Certificate. If your child was not baptized at OLC, parents must provide a certified baptismal certificate. Email a copy your child’s certificate to Katie McComb at kmccomb@olcparish.net
Thank you for the privilege to share these important spiritual milestones with your child!
Sacrament of Confirmation:
The Sacrament of Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. Through Confirmation, our personal relationship with Christ is strengthened. We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.
The Holy Spirit bestows seven gifts—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude, counsel, piety, and fear of the Lord—to assist us in our mission and witness. The impact of these gifts accompanies us in the various stages of our spiritual development.
At Our Lady of Consolation, youth in 8th grade prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which typically takes place in the spring. Confirmation Preparation includes:
- Weekly Meetings
- Opportunities for candidates and sponsors to grow together in faith
- A Confirmation Retreat
- Service projects
If you have any questions or concerns about Confirmation Preparation, please contact Josh Hanson at 866-2577, ext. 210 or email Josh here.