Sacraments
Sacramental formation is a process of deepening faith, understanding, and readiness to receive and live out the grace of the sacraments. Rooted in the life of the Church, this formation nurtures both the mind and the heart, guiding individuals—children, youth, or adults—into a fuller relationship with Christ through the sacramental life.
It involves:
Catechesis: Learning the meaning and significance of each sacrament, grounded in Scripture and Church tradition.
Spiritual preparation: Prayer, reflection, and community experiences that foster a personal encounter with God.
Liturgical awareness: Understanding the symbols, gestures, and prayers of the Church’s sacramental celebrations.
Ongoing conversion: Growing in discipleship and living out the grace of the sacraments in daily life.
Sacramental formation is not simply about receiving a sacrament—it is about being transformed by it, and becoming more fully part of the Body of Christ.
SACRAMENTAL FORMATION PROCESS AT OLM
Sacramental formation is a process of deepening faith, understanding, and readiness to receive and live out the grace of the sacraments. Rooted in the life of the Church, this formation nurtures both the mind and the heart, guiding individuals—children, youth, or adults—into a fuller relationship with Christ through the sacramental life.
It involves:
Catechesis: Learning the meaning and significance of each sacrament, grounded in Scripture and Church tradition.
Spiritual preparation: Prayer, reflection, and community experiences that foster a personal encounter with God.
Liturgical awareness: Understanding the symbols, gestures, and prayers of the Church’s sacramental celebrations.
Ongoing conversion: Growing in discipleship and living out the grace of the sacraments in daily life.
Sacramental formation is not simply about receiving a sacrament—it is about being transformed by it, and becoming more fully part of the Body of Christ.
FIRST EUCHARIST AND FIRST RECONCILIATION
The preparation for First Eucharist consists of 6 sessions that parents and candidates must attend.
Every session has scriptural reflection, teaching, small-group sharing, family dialogue, ritual action and mission or practical application to daily life.
First Reconciliation is usually celebrated during the season of Lent.
First Eucharist is celebrated at the Saturday Vigil Mass and Sunday Mass during the Easter season.
The schedule of meetings for SY 2025-2026 will be as follows:
OLM FIRST EUCHARIST PREPARATION
SY 2025-2026
Maria Room, 4pm, Saturdays
* Meetings must be attended by parents and child-candidates.
October 4 – Session 1
November 1 – Session 2
December 6 – Session 3
January 3 – Session 4
February 7 – Session 5
February 28 – First Reconciliation
March 7 – Session 6
Celebration of First Communion
April 11 – First Communion, 5pm
April 12 – First Communion, 10am
April 12 – First Communion, 12nn
* For more information, please contact Jeng Villa at 201-434-7500 or email reginavilla@olmnj.org
SARAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Confirmation builds upon the graces received at Baptism, deepening the individual’s union with Christ and the Church. Through the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism oil, the candidates receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening their faith and empowering them to live a life of discipleship. Confirmation signifies a mature and conscious decision to follow Christ and actively participate in the life of the Church.
The preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation consists of 6 sessions that parents, candidate and sponsor must attend; a retreat and rehearsal; and service hours.
The first session is held in January. The celebration of the sacrament is in October.