THE SACRAMENTS
 
Baptism
Parents of an infant to be baptized and those who are to undertake the function of sponsor are to be instructed properly on the meaning of this sacrament and the obligations attached to it. The pastor personally or through others is to take care that the parents are properly instructed through both pastoral advice and common prayer, bringing several families together and, where possible, visiting them. Please contact Father Bob at the Parish Offices, 203-263-2008, at least six months prior to the anticipated event.
 
Religious Education: Systematic Catechesis and the Faith First Legacy Program
In order to undertake the journey toward the Sacraments in a responsible manner, the National Directory for Catechesis outlines for us specific elements for teaching our faith. Among those is the call for complete and systematic catechesis. Systematic catechesis asserts that:
  • The basic teachings of the faith as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church need to be taught in planned manner and be continually reinforced.
  • The teachings of the faith are expanded upon and adapted to the age and ability of the learner.
  • Instruction in the faith begins at home.
  • As the child ages, others support parents in educating their child in the faith by providing systematic catechetical programs
  • A variety of methods and techniques can be employed in the transmission of the knowledge of the faith. “Learning by heart” (memorization) is particularly important.
  • What is to be memorized includes prayers, facts about Scripture, key themes and major figures in salvation history, facts about the church, worship and the church year, devotions, holy days, the saints, the works of mercy, the mysteries of the rosary, the Stations of the Cross, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, theological and moral virtues, Precepts of the Church, principles of Catholic social teaching, the examination of conscience, and songs.
The Faith First Legacy Program that is used in our Religious Education Program was carefully selected in order to accomplish this systematic catechesis.

Matrimony
Each couple planning to marry should spend some time considering the commitment they will make to each other. It is the church's goal to provide you with an efficient, practical and pastoral preparation for your new life as a married couple.

This preparation will have a spiritual component as well as provide you with some practical skills in communication, problem solving, and other important areas. It will assist you in setting clear and realistic goals and provide a transparent vision of what you might encounter in your future life together. It will emphasize the responsibility you have toward God, to each other, to the Church, and to society in general through the holy sacrament of matrimony. The Church wants to provide the necessary tools so that you can enter into married life as prepared as possible.

You will face many challenges as you try to live as a Christian couple in our modern society, and this preparation will help you to build a solid foundation where stronger families will be formed and children will be raised in faith and abundant love. It is imperative that you contact Father Bob at the Parish Offices, 203-263-2008, at least six months in advance of the anticipated wedding.

 

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & THE SACRAMENTS

If you have any questions please call or email Carol Moriarty or call 203-263-2008, ext 11. Materials regarding the Sacraments can be accessed through the links below:

First Reconciliation
Successful completion of Grade 1 is necessary for entrance into Sacrament Preparation in Grade 2. The children begin preparing to celebrate this sacrament at the start of Grade 2 Religious Education classes. Their First Reconciliation is in December. Parents are expected to assist in the sacramental preparation of their children and to attend the Parent Orientations/Workshops.

Orientation Letter
Reconciliation Requirements

First Eucharist
Preparation for the reception of First Communion begins after the children have made their First Reconciliation. Your child will receive their First Communion in May. As part of this preparation they will be required to attend a First Eucharist Retreat. Parents are expected to assist in the sacramental preparation of their children and to attend the Parent Orientations/Workshops.

Orientation Letter
First Eucharist Requirements  

Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the Fall of 10th Grade at St. Teresa of Avila’s Parish. Youth in the Confirmation Program participate in monthly classes to prepare them for the sacrament. In addition to regular classes the students are expected to participate in field trips, social events, and community service as listed on their schedules. Each candidate for Confirmation must do 20 hours of Community Service. Parents and Sponsors are expected to assist in the sacramental preparation of their children and to attend the Parent/Student Orientation/Workshops.

Orientation Letter
Confirmation Requirements
 

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