Welcome to the St. Mary Cathedral, St. Thomas, and Holy Redeemer Sacramental Preparation Program!
As you may know, our Diocese prepares young Catholics to receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist) according to the Restored Order. This means that Confirmation is “restored” to its place before First Communion. Preparation for these Sacraments, as well as for Reconciliation, takes place following the age of reason, which varies, but usually takes place around 7 years of age.
Recognizing that all children learn at different speeds and in different ways, we have revised our approach. We have initiated a “Readiness Model” which will focus on parents and children becoming proficient with Catholic themes and prayers. They will gain greater mastery as they progress. This program makes the Preparation and Study of the Sacraments more engaging and simple. The benefit of this program is that it allows students and families to move at a pace in keeping with the abilities of their child.
Please register your child with the parish office and schedule an appointment with one of the priests. We try to encourage the presence of Godparents in the faith life of your child - their role, based on promises they made at the time of your child's baptism, is one of encouragement and help in your child's faith journey, as well as assisting in the assessment of the child’s readiness. Both you and the godparents (dependent upon their availability) will be using the 3 levels of questions and answers below to form your child in the Faith and prepare them for the Sacraments. This is based on a readiness model, so you can register your child at any time.
With joy and excitement for our common journey of Faith in the life of Christ, I look forward to growing closer to Jesus with you.
Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Matthew Wigton, Rector
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR OUR SACRAMENTAL PREP PROGRAM!
You can fill out the above form and e-mail back to parishoffice@stmarycathedral.org or mail to 606 N Ohio Ave. Gaylord, MI 49735.
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NEW: Level 1 Sacramental Preparation Workbook 2024
Level 2 Sacramental Preparation Packet
Level 3 Sacramental Preparation Packet
Two Sacramental Preparation Retreats (no more than one per year) are required for all students before recieving the Blessed Sacraments. The 2025 Retreat dates are Saturday, January 18th or Saturday, February 8th The Retreats begin following the 8:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral. Please call Cathy at 989-732-5448 or email parishoffice@stmarycathedral.org to reserve your date.