Completion of Initiation:
Reconciliation, Confirmation & First Eucharist
The policy of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings has set the age of reason, seven years, (usually entering the Second Grade) as the normal time for people who have been baptized as infants or young children to complete their Christian initiation into the Church by receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist.
At Holy Spirit Parish, it is expected that children asking to complete their initiation have actively participated in the First Grade faith formation program either at our parish school or Religious Formation Program. This formation is vital in gaining the knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Church’s beliefs, traditions, practices and history so that the candidates and their families will be aware of the importance of the scriptures and the sacraments as they continue on their faith journeys.
Equally important is their participation as active members of our parish, which fosters a deeper understanding of that membership. After one year’s formation, normally when they begin second grade, they may enroll in the immediate sacramental preparation program that prepares them to receive Confirmation and First Eucharist.
Children who have moved into the parish,
- as second graders,
- who have already been baptized as Catholics,
- have not completed initiation, and
- have been active participants at their former parishes
may enroll immediately in sacramental preparation once they have completed one year of faith formation either in our parish school or Religious Formation Program.
We offer Sacramental Preparation classes for these children. Please fill out a registration form and watch the bulletin for class details.
Each person seeking Confirmation in the Catholic Church will need to have a sponsor. Here is information on choosing a sponsor and the form needed.