Our Sacramental Program begins when your child enters their first year of preparation to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.  During this year, children enter our “Sprouts” group.  Together the children are introduced to God, Jesus, and prayers using simple stories, songs, and activities.
In your child’s second year, they will enter our “Lambs” group and will be prepared to receive the Sacrments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.  This year is so special as the children begin to understand sin, The Commandments, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and the sacraments he gave us so that we may be like him.
Unless your child is attending a Catholic school, two preparation years are required to receive a sacrament.
Children will meet with their catechist on designated Sundays from 9:30 – 10:50 am three to four times a month during the school year for both their first and second program year.
We encourage all parents to take the “Protecting God’s Children” course so that they may be involved with the group whenever desired.  This course is approximately 2 hours and is being offered in-person. It is required for any parent to work with the group as an assistant or just an observer and we encourage all parents to get involved.
Masses at St. Mary’s are held on Saturdays at 5:00, Sundays at 8:30 and 11:00 and all families are encouraged to attend but for the Sacramental Program, there is more of an urgency as your child will be receiving a sacrament.  There are Mass Attendance Cards that are required to be handed in for all children in the Lambs Group every weekend mass.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1997) lists five precepts as the very least a Catholic can do to practice their faith: to attend Mass on Sundays and Feasts of Obligation; to go to confession at least once a year; to receive Communion during the Easter season; to keep holy the Feasts of Obligation; and to observe the days of fasting and abstinence.
If you are interested in our program, please click on the following link to print out the registration form.
Parishioner and Faith Formation Registration Form Link: CLICK HERE

Please feel free to email me, Maria Matos, at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.  You may also reach me via phone at 201-767-8247.  My office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 – 12.  I will respond to any messages left during my off-hours on my next business day.
Prayers and smiles!