Sacramental Preparation

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church believes that Religious Education is a lifelong process and that parents are the primary spiritual and moral educators of their children. Our responsibility as a parish church is to support parents in their role as the primary teachers and evangelists of their families. Through our full range of Religious Education programs, we seek to give the children in our care the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to become faithful and fruitful disciples of Jesus with the support of their parents or guardians. Please remember preparations for sacraments are 2-year programs. Contact Mrs. Czajka if you have any questions regarding sacramental requirements.
 

Baptism

If you wish to be Baptized into the Catholic faith or wish to have your child baptized, please contact the Church Office (864-422-1648) and speak to Melanie Perrotta, Parish Secretary. A date will be set for a preparatory meeting for Baptism celebration with Father Longenecker or Deacon Ray Perham. Parents and Godparents must attend a Baptismal Class. Godparents who are not parishoners at Our Lady of the Rosary must submit a sponsor certificate from thier parish stating that they are active, practicing Catholics. A Catholic Godparent (or sponsor) must be at least 16 years of age and have received all Sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Communion, Reconciliation, & Confirmation).

First Reconciliation (Confession/Penance)

        In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the penitent, being truly sorry for their sins, confesses these sins to a priest who, through Christ and in the power of the Church, forgives those sins by absolution. In reparation, the penitent accepts whatever penance the priest imposes.

* A child must be baptized and have the ability to know right from wrong (usually this happens between 7 and 9 years of age).

* Must have participated the previous year in Religious Formation Classes and be presently enrolled and participating in the Religious Formation Program or Catholic School.

* Family must commit to home-based lessons with parent or guardian (work on lessons in the text).

* Parents must attend Mandatory Preparation Meeting.

Celebration of the Sacrament usually occurs at the beginning of Lent (February or March).

First Eucharist (First Holy Communion)

The Eucharist is a Sacrament in which a baptized person receives the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. If your child is in 2nd grade or older and has not celebrated Reconciliation or Communion, then you must contact the Religious Education Coordinator, Tanya Czajka at the church office (864-422-1648 ext. 209 or czajka5@charter.net), and discuss the steps that you need to take to help your child receive these blessed sacraments appropriate to the age of your child.

* The child must be baptized

* Must have participated the previous year in Religious Education/Formation classes and presently enrolled and participating in the Religious program at church or Catholic School.

* The family must attend Sunday Mass regularly and be registered and practicing Catholics.

* Commit to home based lessons (work on lessons in the text at least once a week).

* Parents must attend Mandatory Preparation Meetings.

* A candidate must be baptized and have celebrated First Reconciliation and provide sealed copies of their certificates to the Religious Education Coordinator upon registration.

* Celebration of the sacrament usually takes place the day before Mother's Day.

Candidates are expected to go to Confession before the scheduled First Communion Mass, preferably within the week prior to Sacrament. (Scheduled times are posted on website and in the weekly bulletin.)

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of initiation because, historically, it was administered immediately after the Sacrament of Baptism. Confirmation perfects our baptism and brings us to the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday.

* A Candidate must be baptized and have received First Eucharist & First Reconciliation and provide sealed copies of their certificates to the Religious Education Coordinator upon registration.

* A Candidate must have one year of previous Religious formation classes and be presently enrolled in the Religious Formation classes or Catholic School.

* A Candidate must have a minimum of 20 service hours and keep a journal of this service. (Altar Service = 8 hours only)

* A Candidate must complete the Confirmation Booklet with their Sponsor. This booklet is obtained at the Mandatory Parent/Candidate meeting at the beginning of each school year. This booklet explains any requirements needed and is to be completed at stated date.

* A Candidate must attend Sunday Mass regularly and Holy Days of Obligation, practicing his/her Catholic faith.

* Candidates are required to attend a Confirmation Day Retreat with the Religious Education Coordinator and instructors.

* Candidates are expected to go to Confession before the scheduled Confirmation Mass, preferably within the week prior to Sacrament. (Scheduled times are posted on website and weekly bulletin).