St. Luke will abide by the Sacramental Guidelines as set forth by the Diocese of Charlotte. The guidelines may be viewed online at www.charlottediocese.org. The diocesan guidelines specify that a child must have two consecutive years of preparation prior to the reception of a sacrament. Typically, preparation is made during the first and second grades.
At St. Luke, preparation for these sacraments is a combination of weekly Faith Formation and a family, home-based program. Parents should place the focus on a priority of sacramental life in comparison to other activities. This would include weekly participation in Mass, attendance at Faith Formation classes, attendance at parent meetings and retreats, and assuring that a child completes all assigned work. Parents, along with the faith community, will help the child understand the presence of God in the celebration of the sacraments.
1. Faith Formation is offered for children beginning in first grade. Attendance in first and second grades, consecutively, is necessary for receiving the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.
2. Families moving in from another parish will be asked to provide written documentation of Faith Formation participation from their former parish.
3. Catholic School students are required to register for Sacrament preparation in the second grade. Catholic school students do not have to attend Faith Formation classes, however, parents must attend mandatory parent meetings and retreats with their child, complete home preparation for the sacrament, and bring their child to interviews prior to receiving Sacraments with all other Faith Formation students.
4. Children who have not celebrated the sacraments prior to the fourth grade will be required to enroll in Faith Formation and in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for children. (RCIC) in order to prepare for First Sacraments.
5. Parents will be asked to sign a covenant agreement for the sacrament.