Preparing for Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
Sacramental Preparation for Elementary Children
In the Diocese of Charlotte, receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time is a consecutive two year process. Children may receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time in the spring of second grade or older. For questions specific to your child preparing for these Sacraments, please contact Lori Mathews.
YEAR ONE – ENCOUNTER: This foundational learning year may take place when a child is in first grade or older, and may occur in Catholic school, our parish BEGINNINGS GRADE ONE, our parish Elementary ENCOUNTER program or an equivalent Catholic formation program. ENCOUNTER groups are divided in to ENCOUNTER (Grades 2 and 3) and ENCOUNTER (Grades 4 and 5). ENCOUNTER is only offered at the Ballantyne campus.
YEAR TWO – RECEIVE: After the prerequisite year one has been completed, this next consecutive year of exploration and preparation takes place. RECEIVE groups are divided into RECEIVE (Catholic School, Grade 2); RECEIVE (Grades 2 and 3) and RECEIVE (Grades 4 and 5). In addition to participating in sessions, children and parents will complete supplemental materials at home and attend a parent-child half-day retreat in the fall for First Reconciliation and in the spring for First Holy Eucharist. Second grade students attending Catholic school, who were enrolled in Catholic school or a Catholic faith formation program in first grade do not attend weekly faith formation sessions. RECEIVE (Grades 4 and 5) is only offered at the Ballantyne Campus.
2024-2025 Program Schedule
| ENCOUNTER (Grades 2 to 5) RECEIVE (Grades 4 and 5) | ENCOUNTER (Grades 2 to 5) RECEIVE (Grades 4 and 5) |
|---|---|
| SUNDAY SESSIONS Ballantyne 4 to 5 pm | TUESDAY SESSIONS Ballantyne 5 to 6 pm |
| Sep. 15, 22 and 29 Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 Nov. 10 and 17 Dec. 8 and 15 Jan. 5, 12 and 19 Feb. 2, 9 and 16 Mar. 9, 16, 23 and 30 Apr. 6 and 27 May 4 | Sep. 17 and 24 Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 Nov. 12 and 19 Dec. 10 and 17 Jan. 7, 14 and 21 Feb. 4, 11 and 18 Mar. 11, 18 and 25 Apr. 1, 8 and 29 May 6 |
| RECEIVE (Grades 2 and 3) | RECEIVE (Grades 2 and 3) | RECEIVE (Grades 2 and 3) |
|---|---|---|
| SUNDAY SESSIONS Ballantyne 4 to 5 pm Waxhaw 5 to 6 pm | TUESDAY SESSIONS Ballantyne 5 to 6 pm Ballantyne 6:30 to 7:30 pm | WEDNESDAY SESSIONS Waxhaw 3:30 to 4:30 pm Waxhaw 5 to 6 pm |
| Sep. 15, 22 and 29 Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 Nov. 10 and 17 Dec. 8 and 15 Jan. 5, 12 and 19 Feb. 2, 9 and 16 Mar. 9, 16, 23 and 30 Apr. 6 and 27 May 4 | Sep. 17 and 24 Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 Nov. 12 and 19 Dec. 10 and 17 Jan. 7, 14 and 21 Feb. 4, 11 and 18 Mar. 11, 18 and 25 Apr. 1, 8 and 29 May 6 | Sep. 18 and 25 Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Nov. 13 and 20 Dec. 11 and 18 Jan. 8, 15 and 22 Feb. 5, 12 and 19 Mar. 12, 19 and 26 Apr. 2, 9 and 30 May 7 |