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First Penance and First Eucharist
Usually these sacraments are celebrated with our children in Grade 2. Children must be baptized in the Catholic faith and be enrolled in their second year of CCD or Catholic school. Parents of children not meeting these requirements should see Carmen Roebke. In addition to the instruction provided in class by the Grade 2 catechists, parents must attend two meetings and the children participate in a half-day retreat. There is a $30 fee to help cover the cost of materials. If this fee places an unreasonable financial burden upon your family, please contact Fr. Steve.
Parents of children older than Grade 2 needing these sacraments should contact Carmen Roebke as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements may be made for your child.
Dates
Traditionally First Eucharist is celebrated at the 9 am Sunday Liturgy sometime during the Easter Season. Usually all of our second graders receive first Eucharist together. However, exceptions can be made for families desiring a different date. No first communions will be allowed on Mother's Day or Father's Day. Please see Carmen Roebke for more formation.
First penance is usually celebrated during the parish Reconciliation Service with individual reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This year past year we celebrated this service during Advent. Alternatively, families may schedule a time with the pastor to receive the sacrament. It is expected that Catholic parents will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the same celebration as their child.
We generally hold two parent meetings for sacramental preparation on Wednesdays during our CCD meeting time (6:30-8pm). The parent meeting for first penance is scheduled in proximity to the parish service for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Likewise, the parent meeting for first Eucharist usually occurs a week and a half before first Eucharist.
Confirmation
In our diocese Confirmation is usually celebrated during the 8th grade year. Being a small parish, we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation every other year. Therefore, our Confirmation class is made up of 8th and 9th grade students.
Confirmation for the University Parish Newman Center will be celebrated Thursday, May 1 at 7 pm at St. Patrick Parish in Kent. Any 7th or 8th graders who were not enrolled in our parish CCD program for 2014-2015 or anyone beyond the 8th grade should contact Carmen Roebke to discuss options for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.