by Julianne Stanz, Director of Outreach for Evangelization and Discipleship, Loyola Press
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
One of the greatest joys in ministry is walking alongside young people as they prepare to receive the sacraments. These sacred milestones of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, are not only transformative for the young person but also for their families and the entire parish community. They are moments of grace, joy, and of profound encounter with Jesus Christ.
When we accompany young people on this journey, we step onto holy ground. Their eagerness, curiosity, and even their nervousness reminds us of the wonder of God’s love. This is a sacred responsibility that changes hearts and lives. Preparing a child for Reconciliation, for example, is not simply about teaching prayers or guiding them through an examination of conscience. It’s about helping each child to experience God’s abundant mercy in a personal, positive, and life-changing way. I often remind parents that this moment isn’t just for their child, it’s an invitation for the whole family to rediscover the healing power of forgiveness.
Confirmation is often misunderstood as a “graduation” from faith, when in truth, it’s a deepening of our journey as disciples. To be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit is to be strengthened for our mission in service to others. As ministers, parents, and mentors, our role is to remind young people that they are not just receiving something, they are receiving Someone. And that Someone is Jesus Christ. In Confirmation, they are empowered to be witnesses of Christ’s love in the world badly in need of hope, healing and renewal.
Each of these sacramental celebrations is a time for the whole parish and school community to rejoice. These are not private family events, but communal reminders of who we are as the Body of Christ. When a child walks up the aisle to receive Jesus for the first time or stands tall to be sealed with the Holy Spirit, we catch a glimpse of heaven breaking into our midst.
As we prepare our children for the sacraments, let us always remember that this is not a checklist of events to complete, or a program to manage but a sacred invitation to rejoice in God’s presence with us and among us.
Ready, set, rejoice- God is doing something beautiful in our midst!
Launching Rejoice! Sacramental Preparation in Your Parish or School
Here are six simple, practical and inspiring ways to bring the spirit of Rejoice! into your sacramental preparation efforts:
1. Cast a Joyful Vision
Host an information session or parish-wide announcement or celebration that frames sacramental preparation not as a program to complete, but as a joyful journey of encounter with Christ for the whole family. Use the theme “Ready, Set, Rejoice!” to set a tone of celebration and welcome. Invite elderly or homebound parishioners to pray for all those preparing to receive the sacraments. Invite families to witness to their joys and hopes for their children undertaking this sacramental journey.
2. Equip and Inspire Catechists
Provide regular and ongoing formation that highlights both the theological richness of the sacraments and creative, engaging methods for sharing the faith with children. This can be through in-services or providing print and multimedia resources. A Rejoice In-Service where catechists share their own joyful encounters with Christ can help them to embody the joy of the Gospel and create a more joyful environment for young people and their families. Encourage them to be living witnesses of joy in their own sacramental lives.
3. Engage Parents as Primary Educators
Offer gatherings and resources that connect the sacraments to everyday family life. Invite parents to reflect on their own faith journeys and rediscover the gifts of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Teach them to pray with their children, how to address their children’s questions about faith but most of all, impress upon them the desire that the Church has to be of service to their “domestic Church”. Be sure to share the Rejoice Resources available to support them.
4. Build Parish-School Partnerships
Strengthen collaboration between parish and school so that preparation is consistent, unified, and mutually supportive. Shared retreats, prayer services, and parent events can foster a deeper sense of community and mission.
5. Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Day
Incorporate meaningful rituals leading up to the sacraments, such as blessings at Mass, prayer partners, or milestone activities, to help families mark their progress with joy and support from the broader school and parish community.
6. Extend the Invitation Beyond the Sacraments
Create pathways for families to stay engaged after each sacrament. This is critical in fostering a life of discipleship across all transitions and milestones in the family. Encourage ongoing faith formation, service opportunities, and active participation in parish life so that sacramental preparation becomes a springboard for lifelong discipleship.
