Sacramental Preparation

- Formation

Saint Andrew Catholic Church prepares children to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program.
Our approach recognizes that sacramental preparation is a journey of relationship, not just a checklist of requirements. Children come to know and love Jesus the Good Shepherd deeply through their time in the Atrium, and are invited into fuller participation in the life of the Church through the sacraments.
Who is eligible?
Children are typically prepared for the sacraments during Level 2 (ages 6–9) of CGS, most often in second grade. However, readiness is determined not solely by age, but by the child’s spiritual maturity, desire, and personal relationship with Jesus.
Requirements for Sacramental Preparation:
To participate in sacramental prep, families must:
1. Register their child for a Level 2 CGS session
  (See CGS Information & Enrollment page for class times and details.)
2. Commit to six additional family sacrament preparation sessions throughout the year.
  - These sessions are required for both the child and at least one parent/guardian.
  - They provide focused time to explore the meaning of Reconciliation and Eucharist, enrich your family’s faith life, and support parents as the primary catechists of their children.
3. Participate in Sunday Mass weekly
  The liturgy is the heart of our sacramental life. Active participation in Mass reinforces what children encounter in the Atrium and sacrament sessions.
Is your child in Level 3 or older but still needs the sacraments?
We joyfully welcome children who may be older than second grade and have not yet received First Reconciliation or First Communion. Please contact the Office of Faith Formation, we will work with you to determine the best pathway within CGS and our sacrament preparation process.