Sacraments

Instruction for Sacraments

Guiding Principles

Parents are the primary teachers of their children.
Sacraments are gifts of grace.
Sacraments create opportunities for new evangelization.
Sacramental catechesis can help invigorate the faith participation of families.
All catechesis seeks to draw persons into deeper communion with Christ and his Church.

"The primary place for the transmission of faith...is the family"
Year of Faith-Synod of Bishops

What a privilege we have as religious educators to share in the family’s journey of faith! As helpmates to parents nurturing the spirituality of their children, we support their vocation as parents. Vocation originates in God. Through the person of Mom or Dad, God’s love is made manifest to children. That love takes root and becomes their guiding principle of life.

The Instruction for Sacraments is intended to be a positive, pastoral, and helpful tool for shaping effective parish sacramental formation for families and children. 

Publication of the diocesan Instruction for Sacraments in three modules:
   Infant Baptism (Oct 2012) – Policy on January 1, 2013, Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
   Mother of God

   First Penance & First Holy Communion (Spring 2013) – Policy on July 1, 2013

   Initiation of Children of Catechetical Age (Spring 2013) – To Be Announced

Diocesan Instruction for Sacraments –Parish implementation will begin on the policy date and proceed stepwise as follows:

  • Study Instruction with staff and sacramental team.
  • Review online samples and resources available on Christian Formation website.
  • Examine and evaluate existing parish formation for Sacrament Preparation in light of Instruction.
  • Develop a plan for renewal of parish practices.
  • Provide formation for sacramental team and parish community, as necessary.
  • Renew parish practices for full implementation.

Parish Study Days – prepare your parish staff, sacramental teams and school to use the Instruction for Sacraments

Every parish is required to send at least one catechetical representative to one of the Study Days for each module.

View the Study Day Flyer            Register for the Study Day online www.tinyurl.com/sacramentspart2

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of the Instruction for Sacraments-Infant Baptism is translated into Spanish.