Sacramental Preparation Program

Children in grade 2 prepare to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation (penance) and First Eucharist (communion) and must register for St. Patrick Parish's Sacramental Program, which includes the mandatory Sacramental Journey Retreat and Jesus Day Retreat.

The Sacramental Journey Retreat prepares children to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is facilitated by potter Ray Boswell. The focus of the retreat is our loving God who helps teach us and guide us in our daily lives. Even when we disobey him, He will forgive us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through imagery, song, prayer, and creation, participants learn about reconciliation. At the conclusion of the retreat, each child decorates a pottery chalice that becomes their Blessing Cup.

The Jesus Day Retreat prepares our young first communicants to celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist. At the retreat, children will make their communion banners, bake bread, tour the church and practice receiving both the bread and wine, which once consecrated, becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. At the time of registration, families will be given a choice of First Communion dates and times. 

Detailed information about our Sacramental Program and retreat dates are on our website, www.st-pats.org, under the Faith Formation tab, grades K-8, Parent Resources page. Please contact the St. Patrick Parish Coordinator of Religious Education, Karen Hoerrner at [email protected] or 973-635-0625 extension 171 with any questions.