Sacrament Prep

Sacramental Preparation is done both in the Second grade for the participation in the sacraments of Reconciliation & the Eucharist and in the Eighth grade for the sacrament of Confirmation.  Only Catholic students are eligible to receive the sacraments; however non-Catholic students are integrally involved in helping their classmates prepare and deepen their own relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Second Grade is a pivotal time in the formation of the children in Christ, particularly with the preparations made prior to reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The majority of the school year is spent preparing the children’s hearts and souls for a deeper relationship with Christ. Immediate preparations for the Sacrament of Reconciliation include studying the Ten Commandments and discussions to form the children’s consciences. Students are also exposed to the Scripture accounts which particularly manifest Christ’s forgiveness and mercy.

The climax of the second-grade year is the reception of First Holy Communion. The children prepare their hearts to receive Jesus for the first time especially through prayer. They are guided to a deeper understanding of  Christ’s true Presence in the Blessed Sacrament by attending school Mass weekly and learning about the Mass. In addition, the children see and interact with parish priests who assist them in deepening their knowledge and understanding of the faith.


Eighth Grade is again a unique time when these now maturing adolescents are called into a deeper relationship with Christ. They will have a firm grasp of how Our Lord instituted each of the Sacraments, found in Scripture and reaffirmed in the teaching of the Church. As part of the study of the Sacrament of Confirmation, the students will spend time with how each of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit is active in their life; how they can explain and defend the faith in the public square; and how to truly be a “soldier for Christ”. Throughout middle school, the students receive a firm foundation in the virtues – both what they are and the practice of how to live out particular ones in our lives.  The model of the saints not only inspires but also provides the support of prayer from those who have gone before us to “fight the good fight.”  This virtuous living is the foundation for God’s grace to build in our lives.  In addition, the students are being introduced to concrete ways to form personal habits of prayer, in order to build their personal relationship with Jesus, the One Whom they will be following more intimately in the years subsequent their Confirmation. Confirmation is received shortly before graduation and is the capstone of their faith journey at St. Ambrose.