Confirmation & 1st Eucharist

During the 3rd grade, children of St. Philip’s and St. Anthony prepare for and receive the last two sacraments of initiation – Confirmation and Eucharist.  They will receive these two sacraments at the same Mass.  This may be held in conjunction with other parishes in the area, as scheduled by the Bishop.  Students and their parents will be asked to prepare for both sacraments in several concrete ways. We hope the range of activities will help families receive a basic understanding of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and a deeper understanding of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The following is expected of St. Philip’s and St. Anthony’s 3rd grade students and parents to be fully prepared to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist during this academic year.

Classroom Learning
Students in grade 3 are expected to regularly attend faith formation classes every year through the 12th grade. Throughout the year, grade 3 students will learn mainly about the sacrament of Confirmation/1st Eucharist in their faith formation classroom.  We ASK that you take time at home to work with your child on the weekly lessons.  This will give you and your child a better understanding of the Sacrament.

Retreats
Students in grade 3 and at least one parent are encouraged to attend the Confirmation/1st Eucharistic Retreat.  The retreat will be held at St. John’s in Wahpeton, ND.  The retreat will include stories, prayer, discussion and fun activities that help students, and their parents learn more about about Confirmation and 1st Eucharist, and how both sacraments can bring them into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Confirmation Record Form and Baptismal Certificate
At Faith Formation Registration, parents will be asked to complete a Confirmation Record Form for their child. A copy of the child’s baptismal certificate is also needed before they can be confirmed.  We will have this information if the child was baptized at St. Philip’s.  If they were baptized at another church, you must call that church and request that the baptismal certificate be sent to St. Philip’s or provide a copy if you have one.

Confirmation Name Form
Students may choose to take a saint’s name or their Baptismal name as their Confirmation name.  Parents will receive a form to share their child’s chosen name and sponsor.  The students will elarn about some of the Saints in their class.  Stories of Catholic saints can also be found in various Catholic saint books available or online.

Sponsor Information Form
Each 3rd grade Confirmation candidate must have one sponsor. This person must be a Confirmed, practicing Catholic of at least 16 years of age. Students are encouraged to visit regularly with their sponsor, either by phone or in person throughout the school year.

Reconciliation
Parents are strongly encouraged to bring their child to the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to their child receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.