Sacramental Formation

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word.’” (CCC 1213)

• For general information on the sacrament of baptism, visit the USCCB website.
• For details regarding the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Policies and Procedures for the Sacrament of Baptism, refer to Book IV The Sanctifying Office of the Church §100.
• Regarding children of catechetical age who have not been baptized or are baptized non-Catholic, refer to the Children’s Formation/Religious Education Guidelines for recommendations on appropriate Sacramental Preparation Processes. The Guide to Adapting the OCIA for Children from Liturgy Training Publications.
• For more information on the sacrament of baptism and on the OCIA Adapted for Children contact the Office of Divine Worship.

“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (CCC 1422)

• For general information on the sacrament of reconciliation, visit the USCCB website.
• For details regarding the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Policies and Procedures for the Sacrament of Penance, refer to Book IV The Sanctifying Office of the Church §300.
• In the Archdiocese of Chicago, first reconciliation is to take place prior to a student’s reception of first Eucharist.

• When celebrating Reconciliation with 8th graders and younger, it is required to use the age appropriate examinations of conscience from primary religion curricula. Do not use examples from supplemental curriculum materials. Using only those from primary religion curricula ensures they have been vetted as age appropriate by the USCCB’s curriculum conformity review process.

“The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church’s life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church.” (CCC 1407)

• For general information on the sacrament of Holy Eucharist, visit the USCCB website.
• For details regarding the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Policies and Procedures for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, refer to Book IV The Sanctifying Office of the Church §100.

First Eucharist Retreat Resource and Planning Assistance
The First Eucharist Retreat Leader’s Guide is designed to assist parish leaders with planning first Eucharist retreats. The guide includes a variety of retreat resources along with sample retreat formats and tips for virtual, in-person, and at-home retreats. This resource is both optional and adaptable for use in parish formation programs.

“The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the Body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God. Because they are signs they also instruct. They not only presuppose faith, but by words and objects they also nourish, strengthen, and express it. That is why they are called ‘sacraments of faith.’” (CCC 1123)

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has developed Sacramental Catechesis: An Online Resource for Dioceses and Eparchies. It provides an overview of some of the challenges to sacramental catechesis in our culture; offers eight principles that should govern all sound catechesis; focuses on the elements for doctrinally and pastorally sound catechesis specific to each sacrament; identifies moments of opportunity when this sacramental catechesis may be particularly fruitful.