The preparation for and celebration of sacraments are an important and privileged encounter with God's grace.                                       

The National Directory for Catechesis (p. 114) states:

Dioceses and parish should present sacramental catechesis that

• Is a comprehensive and systematic formation in the faith, one that integrates knowledge of the faith with living the faith
• Is fundamentally Trinitarian and centers on initiation into the life of the Triune God
• Presents Christian life as a lifelong journey to the Father in the Son and through the Holy Spirit
• Is appropriate to the age level, maturity, and circumstances of those being catechized
• Is intended for all members of the Christian community, takes place within the community, and involves the whole community of faith\
• Involves parents in the preparation of their children for the sacraments
• Is integrated into a comprehensive catechetical program
• Focuses primarily on the symbols, rituals, and prayers contained in the rite for each sacrament
• Enables the believer to reflect on the meaning of the sacrament received by implementing a thorough experience of mytagogia following the celebration.

In light of this, the Office of Religious Education provides support for sacramental catechesis in the following areas:

Children's Catechumenate 

Infant Baptism

The Archbishop has issued guidelines and ecclesial norms regarding the preparation for and celebration of Infant Baptism.

Every parish must follow these guidelines. Our office offers assistance as needed to explain the guidelines.

Each parish should have a baptismal team consisting of clergy and laity who prepare the family for their child's Baptism. The Archdiocesan guidelines tell how to train an Infant Baptism Team, set up a parish program, design parent meetings, prepare for the baptism liturgy, and follow up with the family after the baptism of their child.

For more information please contact: Deacon Malveaux or Robin Thornton

First Penance and Reconciliation 

The Archbishop has issued guidelines and ecclesial norms regarding the preparation for and celebration of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

Every parish and school must follow these guidelines. Our office offers assistance as needed to explain the guidelines.

First Reconciliation/Penance

Children shall be prepared for and given the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance before the reception of the Eucharist. This usually happens in the second grade when the child is seven years old, but older children should also be prepared if they have not made their First Reconciliation/Penance. The Archdiocesan Guidelines describe how to set up a program, plan parent meetings, select approved texts and prepare for the child's reception of First Reconciliation/Penance.

For more information please contact: Valarie Harrison or Daphine Sands

First Eucharist 

First Eucharist 
The age of discretion for First Reconciliation/Penance and Holy Communion is the time when a child begins to reason, that is about the seventh year. The Archdiocesan Guidelines will show the catechetical leader how to set up a program, plan parent meetings, select approved texts, and prepare the child for their First Communion.

Contact Information - First Eucharist 
For more information please contact:Valarie Harrison or Daphine Sands

Youth Confirmation

For more information please contact:Valarie Harrison or Daphine Sands

Adult Confirmation

Catholic adults who are active in the practice of their faith but who, for whatever reason, have never received the Sacrament of Confirmation are encouraged to do so.  In this Archdiocese the normal pastoral practice is to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with adults at special Masses throughout the Archdiocese on two occasions: Pentecost Sunday, and early January at the Baptism of the Lord, or Epiphany feasts.

At the direction of Cardinal DiNardo, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis has been working to renew the process of preparation of adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

A new process was created in collaboration with pastors, catechetical leaders, Office of Worship, and others. In years past, an announcement was made in the Texas Catholic Herald regarding the location and contact information of parishes conducting formation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for Adults. 

Every year, the announcement in the Herald will instead direct potential Confirmation candidates to contact their home parishes. If your parish is conducting formation sessions for Confirmation of Adults, the process remains the same. If your parish does not plan to conduct formation sessions for Confirmation of Adults, the process will consist of welcoming potential candidates and conducting a discernment interview with them to assess readiness to enter sacramental preparation, before referring them to a nearby parish for sacramental preparation. This will help prevent candidates with impediments (baptized non-catholic, marriage issues, etc.) from entering sacramental preparation. If the candidate is deemed ready to enter the formation process after the discernment interview takes place, the candidate may be referred to a nearby parish  with a letter from the pastor and a recent copy of his/her baptismal certificate. Thank you for your cooperation in facilitating an encounter with Christ for these adult candidates as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Please contact: Tamera Singleton (RCIA)