"The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify, build up the body of Christ, and finally to give worship to God." (Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy).
At St. Therese we embrace the sacredness of all the Sacraments of the Church. Preparing your child for the sacraments is a partnership between family and parish. The preparation for Sacraments is a two year process. As required by the diocese, children and teens are to be regular participants in a faith formation process at least one year prior to formal preparation for the Sacrament. Families can enroll their child in the family program for preparing and celebrating the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion as second graders or the Sacrament of Confirmation as tenth graders, if they have been involved in the parish faith development process for at least one year.
First Reconciliation preparation is designed to prepare children in Grade 2 for the healing and forgiving encounter with Christ. All children who wish to receive First Holy Communion prepare first for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. Preparation includes weekly classes for the children and parent/child monthly sessions. First Reconciliation is usually scheduled during the fall and is normally celebrated at a communal Reconciliation Service.
First Reconciliation Schedule (Year I and II)
Wednesdays: 5:00 - 6:15 PM
Mass Schedule:
Saturday: 4:00 PM (Vigil Mass)
Sunday: 7:00 AM; 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (November-April)
8:00 AM & 10:00 AM (May-October)
We delight in sharing this significant time in your family's ongoing faith development and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact Nelson Perez at (239) 567-2315 ext. 104 or e-mail nelson.perez@sainttheresechurch.net
First Holy Communion preparation is designed to prepare children in Grade 2 to be more aware of God’s love and their call to be part of the “Body of Christ.” Parents, catechists and the parish community are personally involved in bringing our children to the Table of the Lord. The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be received at the end of grade 2. Preparation for the celebration of First Holy Communion is also a two year process, usually beginning in grade 1.
Candidates for this sacrament are those who have been baptized and properly instructed in a formal two-year religious education program and are capable of renewing their baptismal vows. Preparation includes weekly classes for the children and parent/child monthly sessions. The students and their families come together at a Mass of Enrollment in the fall. Students and parents attend a retreat to prepare themselves for this Sacrament. First Holy Communion is usually scheduled during the spring and is celebrated on a designated Sunday morning.
First Holy Communion Schedule (Year I and II)
Wednesdays: 5:00 - 6:15 PM
Mass Schedule:
Saturday: 4:00 PM (Vigil Mass)
Sunday: 7:00 AM; 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (November-April)
8:00 AM & 10:00 AM (May-October)
We delight in sharing this significant time in your family's ongoing faith development and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact Nelson Perez at (239) 567-2315 ext. 104 or e-mail nelson.perez@sainttheresechurch.net
Confirmation, the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, strengthens and continues the work of the Spirit in our lives that began at our Baptism. Confirmation invites adolescents to experience God through ritual, reflect on the elements of the Rite of Confirmation, and live a life of service o the Church's mission. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a two year process that prepares 9th and 10th grade candidates to embrace their role as Catholic Christians. The young person is provided with the opportunity, support and time needed to seriously and willingly prepare for and choose the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Diocesan Guidelines for Confirmation from Bishop Frank J. Dewane: “Preparation for reception of confirmation will be a two year process beginning in grade 9, culminating in the reception of the sacrament at the end of grade 10. This will be the policy for Confirmation. . . in all the Parishes, Chapels and Missions of the Diocese of Venice and is in keeping with the practices of the other six dioceses throughout the province.”
Candidates for this sacrament are those who have been baptized and properly instructed in a formal two-year religious education program and are capable of renewing their baptismal vows. Candidates must have a knowledge and understanding of their Catholic Faith. Thus, ALL High School Confirmation candidates must be registered and attending Confirmation Sessions and Sunday Mass two years prior to receiving the sacrament. Registration is now open.
Confirmation Schedule 9 and 10 Grade
Wednesdays: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Mass Schedule:
Saturday: 4:00 PM (Vigil Mass)
Sunday: 7:00 AM; 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (November-April)
8:00 & 10:00 AM (May-October)
We delight in sharing this significant time in your family's ongoing faith development and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact Nelson Perez at (239) 567-2315 ext. 104 or e-mail nelson.perez@sainttheresechurch.net
O.C.I.C. is a process designed for children in Grade 3 or older who were baptized in Protestant faiths or were never baptized and now come to our parish to become Catholic Christians. Classes are available to prepare older children to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion).
O.C.I.C. Schedule
Wednesdays: 5:00 - 6:15 PM
Mass Schedule:
Saturday: 4:00 PM (Vigil Mass)
Sunday: 7:00 AM; 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM (November-April)
8:00 AM & 10:00 AM (May-October)
We delight in sharing this significant time in your family's ongoing faith development and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact Nelson Perez at (239) 567-2315 ext. 104 or e-mail nelson.perez@sainttheresechurch.net
