Charlotte C. Prather
Director of Religious Education

Phone (949) 854-1000 x 225

Infant Baptism: Parents and godparents have the opportunity to attend two sessions (offered monthly) before the Baptism of infants and children under school age. Baptisms take place on the third Sunday of each month and may be scheduled after attendance of the preparation sessions. Contact persons: Charlotte C. Prather (X225) and Rosina Mendez (X 221).

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are offered no earlier than the second year of regular religious education classes. After a child has complete one full year of parish religious education (homestudy or parent co-operative), parents will be invited to begin preparing their child for these sacraments. Preparation includes educational update sessions for parents (two sessions in the fall for Reconciliation and two in the spring for Eucharist). In addition parents and children attend a preparatory workshop before each of the sacramental celebrations. This preparation process is in addition to the regular religious educational program for elementary age children. Contact persons: Charlotte C. Prather (X225) and Mary Lou Hutton (X232).

Sacramental Preparation Schedule

Christian Initiation for Children and Youth is offered for students in our children's or youth ministry programs who are either unbaptized or baptized in other Christian Churches who wish to join the Catholic Church. This is a two-year family-centered process which is in addition to the students regular participation in children's or youth ministry classes. Parents attend these preparatory meetings (approximate six per year) with their children. At the end of the preparation process, children are baptized or received into the Catholic Church, confirmed, and receive First Eucharist. Normally these sacramental celebrations take place at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening. Students who are baptized at the Easter Vigil will be invited to prepare for first Reconciliation the following fall. Contact persons: Charlotte C. Prather (X225) and Mary Lou Hutton (X232).

Confirmation follows a two-year period of preparation beginning no earlier than ninth grade. Students are expected to participate with their parents in the High School Youth Ministry program with particular emphasis on sacramental preparation, community service, worship experiences, and retreats. Specific details may be found on the Youth/Children's Ministry Program Information sheet. Contact person: James Abowd(X226).

Confirmation for adults may be celebrated, after a suitable preparation, with the youth of the parish or at the parish Mass on Pentecost Sunday. Contact person: Charlotte C. Prather (X225).

Marriage preparation may be arranged directly with the pastor, Fr. Tom Pado.