Guidelines for children preparing to participate in First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation

The preparation for these sacraments occurs over an eight year time span beginning in first grade going through eighth grade, The child needs to be enrolled either in our elementary and middle school here at St. Paul of the Cross, or in our catechesis (religious education) program if attending public school. Each grade focuses on a different aspect of catechesis and works to form a whole at the completion of eighth grade. If you have missed a grade and would still like to have your child in the process for participating in these sacraments. For more information please call the Catechesis Office at (847) 692-2758

All are welcome.

Grade 1  -  God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, made and cares for us and the world.

Grade 2  -  God loves each of us and we are called to act on God's love by loving each other. The sacrament and expression of this love
                    is experienced in Reconciliation and Communion. Both these sacraments are celebrated for the first time in second grade.

Grade 3  -  God creates us to live in community. We explore what it means to be a church community and the actions of our faith community.

Grade 4  -  God calls us to lead a moral life as expressed in the Ten Commandments and developed
                    further with the coming of Jesus and His Teachings. We are called to discipleship.

Grade 5  -  Emphasis is on Jesus and the sacramental life of the Church.

Grades 6 - 8  -  Children share their talents through service to our parish and the greater community as part of their preparation for Confirmation.