Looking for Catholic sacramental preparation resources? Look no further! Below are some great ways to help prepare for Catholic Confirmation preparation, First Communion preparation, and Confession preparation!
Preparing to receive the sacraments is a very special time in a child’s (or adult’s) life! Not only is the experience full of spiritual fulfillment, but it creates opportunities for the entire Church family to affirm and celebrate their faith.
But let’s back up. If your head is swimming trying to figure out what the seven sacraments in the Catholic faith are, keep reading.
Below I’ll break down what exactly the Catholic sacraments are. After that, I’ll give you some sacrament preparation resources for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Why are sacraments important?
Sacraments are signs of God’s grace in our lives. Sacraments are a tangible way God expresses this grace for us. They are a sign of Jesus’ presence in our lives!
Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord.
Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier.
This is why sacrament preparation for Catholics is so important! Sacraments are signs that communicate God’s grace in a really tangible way.
What are the 7 sacraments?
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist (also called Holy Communion)
- Reconciliation (also called Confession)
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Orders
- Matrimony (marriage)
The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are called the Sacraments of Initiation. During Baptism, we are cleansed of original sin. During confirmation, we confirm our life of faith, and during Holy Communion, our life of faith is nourished while we receive the Body and Blood of Christ!
Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are called the Sacraments of Healing. Through Reconciliation, we receive God’s forgiveness and during Anointing of the Sick, a person is anointed with oil and receives special prayers from a priest.
Holy Orders and Matrimony are called the Sacraments at the Service of Communion, or Sacraments of Service. Men are ordained as bishops, priests or deacons during the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and Holy Matrimony is when a couple is united in marriage.
Today, we’re just going to focus on preparation of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
What is First Reconciliation in the Catholic Church?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament in which God forgives our sins committed after Baptism.
Since God’s mercy is infinite, we are always given a second chance (and a third and a fourth and as many as we need) as long as the sinner is heartily sorry for them, and sincerely confesses to them.
What is First Holy Communion?
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is a sacrament in which Christ really becomes present under the appearance of bread and wine. Christ instituted the Eucharist during the Last Supper, the night before he died.
First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important events in a person’s life! It is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is eating the consecrated bread and drinking the consecrated wine (Jesus’ Body and Blood.)
Catholic First Communion age
Most Catholic children receive their First Holy Communion when they are between 7 and 9. This is considered the age of reason. In general, the children are in 2nd grade.
What is Confirmation?
During confirmation, the person is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The Sacrament of Confirmation helps a person remain faithful to their baptismal commitment, and serve as witness to Christ by serving others!
Catholic Confirmation Age
The Sacrament of Confirmation usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 17.
Sacrament Preparation
Now that you know more about the sacraments, below are some ways to help you prepare for the sacraments of Confession, Communion and Confirmation.
Catholic Confession Preparation
Here are some resources to help you and/or your child prepare for First Reconciliation (confession!)
Scrambled Sacraments Card Game
A Child’s Guide to Confession book
Going to Confession Activity Card
First Communion Preparation at Home
Here are some ways to prepare for First Holy Communion
1.) Talk about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Talk about the Last Supper and explain that the Catholic church believes that the host really becomes Jesus’ body and the wine, Jesus’ blood.
2.) Model reverence when receiving Holy Communion
While you’re waiting to receive, keep your hands folded and try not to talk to your children. As you walk back, keep your hands folded and immediately kneel down in your pew until the altar is clear. Showing your children how important the Eucharist is to you will prompt them to follow in your footsteps.
3.) Practice receiving Holy Communion at home
For a child who has never received communion before, the actions and customs can seem overwhelming! Help them practice at home so they aren’t nervous during the real deal, which will help them be fully present during the ceremony. This can be done with goldfish, Cheez-its, or small crackers.
Physical resources to help you prepare for First Holy Communion at home
Holy Communion Coloring and Activity Pages
Brother Francis – Bread of Life DVD
Holy Heroes First Communion Gift Box
Inside the Sacraments: The Holy Eucharist DVD
First Communion Preparation Cards – Boys
First Communion Preparation Cards – Girls
Confirmation Preparation
Here are some steps you can take to prepare for Confirmation.
- Find a saint you really connect with. This saint will help guide you through life, offering a good example to model yourself after.
- Go to confession. It is important to go to Confession before Confirmation. This will put you in a state of grace, meaning free from sin, which will allow you to fully receive the gifts of Confirmation.
- Take the time to really learn about what will be happening! Learn what each action done during Confirmation means below:
–The bishop or priest will pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit over you. When the Bishop extends his hands over you, he’s asking the Holy Spirit to give you the same gifts that were given to Mary, the Apostles, and all the Saints.
-You will be anointed with oil. By being anointed, you are given joy, cleansed of sin, and healed from past wounds!
–You are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gives you a sense of protection. To be sealed means to be “secured.” You will be secured with the Holy Spirit forever once you have been confirmed.
–You will give and receive the sign of peace. This part of the Sacrament reminds us of the importance of community. You are a part of the Church and we must all support eachother on our journey to Heaven!
Below are some physical resources to help prepare for Confirmation:
Catechism of the Seven Sacraments
My First Confirmation Catholic Workbook: Coloring and Activity Book
YOUCAT Confirmation Book: Student Book
I hope this brief overview of the sacraments, as well as resources to help prepare you for Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation was helpful!
