The Sacramental Preparation program provides preparation for the first reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for children of St. Joseph/Old Mission San Jose. This program is for children in 2nd grade and upper grades who didn’t receive these two sacraments when they were in the second grade.

Sacramental Preparation is a 2-year program and children can enroll after attending at least one year in the Family of Faith Ministry or are students of Saint Joseph School. Sacramental Preparation deepens the children’s understanding of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist and helps children grow closer in their relationship with Jesus and with the church community.

In addition to the Family of Faith requirements, the Sacramental Preparation program requires the following commitment:

1.  Monthly attendance of the parent and children’s sessions with the Family of Faith Ministry catechists. Please refer to the 2024-2025 calendar for meeting dates and times.  Parents teach, share, and work with their children at home using what they have learned from the sessions, the Reconciliation and the Eucharist activity books, and other materials provided by the children’s catechists.
2.  At our monthly meetings, the catechists will go over the month’s materials. Parents are to commit to dedicating time at home to grow in Faith with their children and prepare them to receive the Sacraments using the Family of Faith and Sacramental Preparation materials.
3.  Parents/ Child(ren) attend the First Reconciliation Retreat/ practice and First Reconciliation prayer service, in February 2025, to receive the Sacrament.
4.  Parents/ Child(ren) attend the First Holy Communion Retreat, rehearsal, First Holy Communion Mass, in June 2025 to receive the Sacrament.  
5.  To Be Learned By Heart— Child(ren) learn, recite, and demonstrate understanding of: The Sign of the  Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Grace before meals, Act of Contrition, the Ten Commandments, Seven Sacraments, Steps of going to confession, and be familiar with the responses during Mass.
6.  Complete the 2024-2025 Family of Faith registration form. Sacramental Preparation program fees/donation is found on the registration form.