Faith Education is a program of the parish that directly takes care of the faith formation of the children. In St. Kevin’s Parish we strive to provide a solid doctrinal, moral, and worship foundation appropriate to the age and needs of the students.  Our goal is to communicate the faith to the children and to help parents fulfill their promise made at Baptism to raise their children in the Catholic Faith.  Together we collaborate in helping the children understand the richness of their catholic faith, foster personal relationship with God through prayer and celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and prepare them receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
 
Our faith education program requires a participation of five years following the directive from the Archdiocese of Montreal. A minimum of two (2) consecutive years for sacramental preparation is needed prior to receiving the sacrament of Eucharist and another three-year (3) preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation to complete the sacrament of initiation.

First Reconciliation will be received prior to First Communion and is normally celebrated in Level 2. The diocese provides the following guidelines to determine readiness for the sacrament:
The child must have an initial knowledge of:

1. The person of Jesus
2. The Gospel message of forgiveness
3. Sin and its effects
4. Understanding and experience of sorrow, forgiveness, and conversion

1. Has celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Communion
2. Participates actively and consciously in Sunday Liturgy on a regular basis
3. Understands that (a) the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine and (b) that the Eucharist is the commemoration of Christ's last meal with his disciples before he died, and a memorial of his sacrifice for our salvation
4. Understands that by sharing in this special meal, we become brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ on earth

A candidate for Confirmation should have gone through four (4) years of learning the essential doctrines of faith and must have received the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.  On the 5^th year, candidates are prepared to receive the sacrament including involvement in different ministries for Mission of Love, and providing opportunities to grow deeper in their personal relationship with God through prayer and reflection, retreat and participation in liturgical celebrations.
 
In Sacrament of Confirmation, Catholics are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Christian’s relationship with God is made stronger.  Candidate for confirmation should have participated prayerfully, faithfully, and responsibly in the preparation process with such attitude and understanding appropriate to adolescence. The candidates for confirmation are:

• able to demonstrate knowledge and understandings of Jesus, his teachings and the values and practices of the Catholic
• faithfully attending Mass and celebrating Eucharist weekly
• able and willing to express their free decision to accept Confirmation and a desire to continue to nurture their relationship with the Risen Christ
• have received the sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion as part of the immediate preparation for the celebration of Confirmation

 
Ultimately, the pastor is responsible for accepting candidates for Confirmation and vouching for their preparation to the Archbishop. Catechist, Parish Catechetical Leader, and Parent all play a part in the pastor’s decision to accept the candidate for Confirmation.
Sponsor
A person being confirmed is to have one sponsor. The function of a sponsor is to take care that the person to be confirmed behaves as true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfils the duties inherent in this sacrament. (Canon 892)
The sponsor must therefore be at least 16 years of age, who has made himself already received the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion, lives a life of faith which is fitting for the role of sponsor.
The sponsor may be male or female and may be one of the child’s godparents.
A parent cannot be a sponsor. (Canon 893)
Parent Session
Parents whose children are candidates for First Communion or Confirmation are required to attend Parent Session. As partners and collaborators, parent session hopes to nurture the faith of the parents as they prepare their children receive the sacrament, engage parents in their child’s faith development,  and  support parish’s role in partnership with the family.
During the year, five (5) parent sessions are organized.  Parents are required to attend at least 3 sessions for their child to receive the sacrament.
Meetings are also scheduled. Attendance in the meeting is very important.
Registration and Tuition
Our faith education program is open to parishioners and non-parishioners. A tuition fee is required to cover the cost of textbooks and materials used in the program, and must be paid at the time of registration.
However, finances should never come in the way of a child's participation in our Faith Education program. Please contact the office to discuss any financial difficulties.


Sr. Grace Salvaña, spc.
[email protected]
514-733-5600 Ext 5