Archdiocesan guidelines state that children who have reached the age of reason—7 years of age—may prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and Eucharist.

The same guidelines direct that children be prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to receiving Holy Communion. Furthermore, the Archdiocesan guidelines require that parents participate in the process of preparing their children for the sacraments. An integral part of the preparation is regular attendance at Sunday Mass and participation in the life of the parish. The practice of faith in the home and community is by far a more important factor than age in determining the readiness of the child for the sacraments.

The parish provides a joint sacramental preparation process for the students enrolled in the parish and public schools. Parents attend the same information meetings, family sessions, and first communion retreat in the spring. All Children (Our Lady of the Lake School and Religious Education) use the same textbooks and follow the same lesson plan.

A calendar of events and lessons is made available to families in September. An orientation meeting for parents is held in October. The reconciliation classes for children start in October and end in
December. The Eucharist classes begin in January. First Communion is celebrated on a designated Sunday after Easter.

SCHEDULE 2007-08
Meetings are from 10:15 to 11:30 AM on Sundays and 6:15 to 7:30 PM on Mondays.

Family First Communion Retreat
TBA

Rehearsal for First Communion Rehearsal for First Communion

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Specific time will be set for each group celebrating together.

Celebration of First Communion

TBA