Children Sacraments

Holy Rosary Church runs a catechism program, where families are welcome to bring their children and grow in their faith journey. The program offers classes from Preschool/Kindergarten to Grade 7, where children receive their sacraments of initiation (communion in grade 2, and confirmation in grade 7). Our catechism program runs from September to May. Classes are every Sunday from 11:00- 12:00 with family mass to follow. To register use the link below or continue to read for more information.

Catechism Registration

Parent Handbook

The Sacrament of Eucharist

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1322

Preparation for First Communion

First Communion is for candidates in grade 2 at Holy Rosary Church. It is celebrated in May, split into two weekends. This preparation also includes preparing and receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation. All events are announced in the Sunday Bulletin and our calendar weeks before.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1316

Preparation for Confirmation

Confirmation for candidates in grade 7 at Holy Rosary Church is celebrated in the Easter Season during the noon Sunday mass. All events are announced in the Sunday Bulletin & our calendar weeks before.

Our Program

At Holy Rosary Church we offer a full Catechism Program for all children, youth and families. We believe that faith formation is a lifelong process and recognize that the parent is the most important role model to teach the faith to children. Our church program is designed to be a supporting role that forms and supplements the ongoing faith of the family.

The classrooms work along with the Celebration of Mass and involvement in parish life is key to the success of a child and families faith experience.

Our program has embraced the recommendations from the Synod, which are published in the document “Disciples on the Way”. As society and family evolve, it is our responsibility to ensure our faith teaching and formation evolves with the times.

The following is a description of the programs offered at Holy Rosary Church:

Year K to 7 Faith Formation – September to May (start and end dates may vary) Led by volunteer Catechists to help children and Youth gain an understanding of their faith. The program consists of:
1. Formation – held every Sunday from 11:00 am to Noon – We use the Finding God program approved by the Archdiocese of Winnipeg and published by Loyola press. Catechists may use other resources and personal faith growth to help children deepen their own faith journey.
2. Mass – Families attend Sunday Mass and celebrate together with the community. This is a great opportunity for parents/guardians to deepen their own faith, lead by example and help the children learn about our Church customs, believes and traditions.
3. Parents involvement – Parents are encouraged to participate in monthly family formation workshops, ask questions, share their own faith experience and use life events to help their children in living their faith in the community. Loyola press provides online tools to help deepen the learning and formation process. You can visit the site here.
Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist and Confirmation – Children who have reached the appropriate age of reason may enter our Sacramental preparation program.
1. Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist are celebrated in our year two program.
2. Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in our year seven program.
3. Rite of Initiation is for those children who have passed the age for a sacrament and are now ready to receive it. In this preparation, we determine which Sacraments are missing and work with the family and child to properly prepare for all the Sacraments. If the process is for both parent and child they will work together to gain their faith understanding and preparation work. All Sacraments will then be celebrated at the Easter vigil.
For All Sacrament preparation – Children must have completed one year of faith formation, or alternatively have a basic understanding of the Catholic faith before being admitted into Sacramental preparation classes.
1. Sacramental preparation consists of:
  - Classes on Sunday’s from 11:00 am to Noon (September to May). Children attendance and participation plays an important role in the process of formation.
  - Mass attendance is required for children and their parents/guardians. This is to help children continue their faith journey and gain an understanding of the Mass process.
  - Retreat and special classes or events must be attended to help deepen their Sacramental preparation. Some events will require parent/guardian participation
    - All preparation work must be completed by the end of the program and prior to the Sacrament date.

Note: We understand that each family situation is unique, we will try to accommodate the needs of our children and families. However, we must ensure that the children in the Sacramental preparation class are properly prepared and understand the Sacrament they are to receive.

Sacrament Dates

All dates will be announced and posted as soon as they become available. Here are some guidelines to help you

Catechism program usually begins the third Sunday in September
Sacrament of Reconciliation is usually celebrated during Lent
Sacrament of First Holy Eucharist is usually celebrated during the month of May
Sacrament of Confirmation is determined by the Archdiocese and announced in January or February.

Fees

Regular Catechism classes:

1 child = $60.00
2 children = $120.00
3 children = $180.00
4 children = $240.00
Additional children are TBD.

Sacramental preparation cost is calculated to actual cost of event. This cost is in addition to the regular fee. This includes, gown, pictures, certificates, retreats and preparation material. Fees are collected prior to the Celebration.

Reconciliation = TO BE ANNOUNCED
Eucharist = TO BE ANNOUNCED
Confirmation = TO BE ANNOUNCED

Financial Concerns – No child will be denied access to our program, if registration or Sacrament fees are a concern, please discuss these with the program coordinator or Priest and we will work out a solution. Fees may be waived, reduced or exchanged for volunteer help.

Contact

Director: Julia Stiller

Email: julia.stiller@holyrosarychurch.ca