Preparing to Receive a Sacrament

At Our Lady of Grace, there is a strong tradition of sacramental preparation; in fact many families have had multiple generations formed in the faith and prepared for receipt of the Sacraments here. While we believe strongly in our traditions, it is important to note that Our Lady of Grace follows the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis norms for the Sacrament of Penance and The Celebration of First Holy Communion.

Sacraments of Penance and Communion

Our Lady of Grace welcomes children to prepare for the Sacraments of Penance and First Holy Communion beginning in 2nd Grade.  In keeping with the Archdiocesan norms, Our Lady of Grace holds the following traditions regarding sacramental preparation.

Children preparing to celebrate First Penance must:

• be baptized Catholic;

• be a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church;

• have reached 7 years of age;

• participate in faith formation either through attendance at a Catholic School, or parish faith formation program for two consecutive years;

• participate in the parish preparation process for First Penance, usually involving parent and child formation sessions, as well as practice sessions.

Children preparing to celebrate First Holy Communion must meet all requirements for preparation for First Penance and:

• have celebrated the Sacrament of Penance;

• participate in parish preparation process for First Holy Communion, usually involving parent and child formation sessions, as well as practice sessions.

If your child is not baptized Catholic, or you need more information about preparation for these Sacraments, please email Stephanie Lloyd.