Preparing to receive the sacraments is one of the most memorable and exciting times for children. We have designed our programs so that they enjoy the process, learn from the support and example of their families, and are conscious of the care of the parish community for them.
Students must have completed one full year of Catholic religious education (here at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel or elsewhere) immediately prior to beginning preparation for sacrament.
The following are the requirements for reception of the Sacraments:
- The child must be Baptized Catholic
- The copy of the Baptismal certificate
- Confirmation Students will provide the copy of their Baptism / First Communion certificates
- Regular attendance at the Sunday Mass
- Parental involvement in the preparation to receive Sacrament
- All children must be in the program from the 1st grade OR provide proof of attendance in another parish program (Religious education for 7 years)
- Regular attendance for Religious education program
- Parents must attend the meetings and participate at the planned retreats
NOTE: If an 8th grade (Confirmation III) candidate has a conflict with the date of the retreat, the candidate must call another parish in the Archdiocese and participate in their retreat. (It is a must)
BAPTISM
Children who are old enough for school and who have not been Baptized are invited to join our prep classes along with their parents / guardians in Fall each year October - Five sessions on Biblical walk through the Mass and one session on Baptism
Once you have completed the required preparation the Baptism will be scheduled. For more information call Deacon Tom Lambert @ 773-525-0453 Ext. 21
RECONCILIATION / PENANCE AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Students in the second grade (who have completed the 1st year program) are prepared for the sacraments of Reconciliation / Penance and Eucharist as part of their class sessions.
These class sessions are in conjunction with the formation which they receive with their families. The most important preparation children can receive for Eucharist is to be regular participants at Sunday Mass.
In addition to Sunday Mass and classes, there is a Reconciliation morning of reflection for parents and children in January and First Communion morning of reflection for parents and children is April. Many students take part in this program in the 2nd grade. However, students of all ages can be part of the process, with older students working in their own group.
CONFIRMATION
Students celebrate Confirmation in spring. Most students will be confirmed in 8th grade, having completed the three years confirmation preparation sequence. (Students beginning the preparation after sixth grade begin with Confirmation I and complete all three years before they are confirmed.)
Candidates are expected to be part of the worshipping community, coming to Mass each Sunday. As Confirmation marks one's full initiation into the church, it is expected that anyone wishing to be confirmed, is a practicing Catholic. During all these years, students keep a journal chronicling their practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Students must have completed one full year of Religious Education before beginning the Confirmation program. In addition, they need to show mastery of the basic religious literacy objectives for each grade preceding junior high.
Confirmation I:
- Study of the major events and themes in the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament)
- Attendance at the class and prayer session planned for them
- Participation in a group service opportunity
Confirmation II:
- Study of the Gospel and module on Christian morality
- Attendance at the class and prayer session planned for them
- Participation in a "Pilgrimage" to sites important for Catholic history in Chicago
Confirmation III:
- Review of the Scripture, Creed and Sacraments, with concentration on Confirmation and a study of the Acts of the Apostles
- Attendance at the retreat day
- Participation in a group service opportunity in a soup kitchen