St. Patrick School at 175 St. Patrick Street, McEwen, TN 37101 US - Sacramental Preparation

Reconciliation

• Preparation begins in October with a required parent meeting.
• Father Cash, Sister Martin de Porres, and the CCD coordinator discuss the layout of the program as well as suggestions on how to make a faith-connection at home.
• The sacrament is celebrated on the first Saturday in December.

Holy Eucharist

• Sacramental preparation for Holy Eucharist begins in February with the reception for the sacrament scheduled for the first Sunday after Easter.
• A required parent meeting precedes the beginning the program.
• Students have a retreat day the week before the celebration of the sacrament, in which they have the opportunity to prepare specifically for the day of the their First Holy Communion.

Confirmation

• St. Patrick School prepares the 7th and 8th grade students for the sacrament of Confirmation every other year.  Preparation for the sacrament is spread throughout the religion curriculum for these grades during this year, and the students generally receive this sacrament in May.
• The sacramental program of Confirmation consists of a required parent meeting to promote a family-school connection in the faith life of the students.
• The school program is taught by the Dominican sister who teaches religion, Sister Jane Frances, and focuses on the meaning of the sacrament: becoming an adult in the Catholic faith, receiving the fullness of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and being strengthed by the Holy Spirit.  The students are encouraged to participate in acts of service, which mark a growth in manifesting one's Christian faith.