First Eucharist and Confirmation

Our sacramental preparation program for Confirmation and First Eucharist, designed for third grade and above, is called Together in Jesus. The program consists of five integrated component that you and your child will need to complete before receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist:

• Classroom Component with Parent / Caregiver
• Family Component
• Prayer Component
• Service Component
• Retreat Component

To preview a sample classroom lesson visit:
Jesus Gathers People Together

Program Requirements

Together in Jesus Confirmation and First Eucharist program at St. Mary’s Basilica has been designed to fulfill the requirements put forth in the Diocese of Phoenix Sacrament of Confirmation and First Eucharist Policy and Guidelines 2009. By completing the above components of preparation your child will meet the criteria for readiness to receive Confirmation and First Eucharist.  Please review the Confirmation and First Eucharist Program Requirements for 2019-2020 for detailed information on each component of preparation for Confirmation and First Eucharist.

Introduction Letter:  Confirmation and First Eucharist Parent Letter
Program Requirements: Confirmation and First Eucharist Program Requirements for 2019-2020
Schedule:  Confirmation and First Eucharist Schedule 2019-2020

Selecting a Confirmation Sponsor

Every candidate should have a Confirmation sponsor. Candidates may have more than one sponsor, however only one should be designated as the liturgical sponsor who presents the candidate for Confirmation. It is desirable that baptismal godparents, as extensions of the spiritual family, continue this role at Confirmation. Sponsors should be actively involved in the child’s life of faith before, during, and after Confirmation.

Qualifications of a sponsor:
Sponsors must be at least sixteen years old. They may not be the natural or adoptive parents of the Confirmation candidate. They must be fully initiated into the Catholic Faith (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist). They must be leading a life in harmony with the Faith. They must be free of any canonical impediment (RC 5-6; Canon 874, 892-893; CCC 1311; RCIA 10.2).

Child’s Readiness

The Diocese of Phoenix states, “Parents discern the readiness of their children to prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist in consultation with their pastor or his delegate.” The following is the criteria for readiness at St. Mary’s Basilica:

• An awareness of God’s unconditional love for them.
• Regular participation in Sunday Mass. (Determined by participation in CLOW.)
• Prayer as a part of the child’s life and also experienced within their family.
• Must have previously been prepared for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation (ordinarily occurs in Second Grade).
• Must be properly instructed.  (Needs to complete Together in Jesus Confirmation and First Eucharist program.)
• Consistent attendance at formation sessions.
• Must be capable of renewing their Baptismal promises.
• Participation in a Family Sacraments of Initiation Retreat.
• Willingness to participate in community service.

By completing the six components of preparation your child will meet the criteria for readiness to receive Confirmation and First Eucharist.  In addition, the Diocese of Phoenix also requires that children in Confirmation and First Eucharist preparation be involved in the parish’s on-going catechetical formation program (Children’s Ministry) held on Sunday mornings.  However, to assist over-scheduled families we have integrated Confirmation and First Eucharist preparation into our Children’s Ministry program on Sundays to alleviate the need for families to participate on a separate night at St. Mary’s Basilica. Because of this accommodation, your child may only miss three Sunday classes and may only miss one First Reconciliation class. However, you will need to complete the missed reconciliation session’s assignment.

Registration

The below registration form can also be used to register your child for our Children’s Ministry Program on Sundays.

Registration Form:  Registration Form 2019 – 2020

• Download the registration form and fill it out completely.  Handwriting needs to be legible.
• On the scheduled Sundays after the 9 AM and 11 AM Mass attend a hour long Parent / Caregiver Orientation.
• After the Parent / Caregiver Orientation you may return the registration form and payment to register (Do not mail forms).
  • Sunday August 4, 2019
  • Sunday August 11, 2019
  • Sunday August 18, 2019
  • Sunday August 25, 2019
  • Sunday September 1, 2019
  • Last day for registration is Sunday, September 1, 2019.

  Payment Plan Form:  Payment Plan Form 2019-2020
  If you need financial assistance in paying the registration fee please download and complete the above form
  and bring it to one of the above registration Sundays after all the Masses.

  For More Information

  Coordinator of Children Ministry
  Theresa Losada
  Phone:  (602) 354-2068
  Email: tlosada@smbphx.org