An important part of our Religion program is working with our parents to prepare our students to receive the Sacraments for the first time. In this way, our children grow in the faith and we are privileged to accompany them on this path. Each Sacramental celebration is a time of rejoicing for our entire school and parish community.

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First Penance

Children in the 2nd grade are prepared by their teachers to make their First Confession. After months of careful preparation, our children travel to St. Mary Church to have this important encounter with Christ and to rejoice in his love and forgiveness. 

First Communion

An important highlight of 2nd grade is First Holy Communion. Learning about the Eucharist and the Mass is a major focus of our 2nd grade year.  This is a very special day in the life of our school and parish. Our teachers work along with our parents to guide our children as they begin their Eucharistic relationship with Jesus.

Confirmation

Our students begin preparation for Confirmation in the 7th grade and continue on through 8th grade. They are integrated into our St. Mary Youth Ministry program as they form neighborhood teams to begin their proximate preparation for this final Sacrament of Initiation. Sacramental instruction takes place in the classroom and works of mercy and group activities take place within their teams. After having completed this comprehensive preparation program, our 8th graders receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit at St. Mary Church.

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Special Preparation

Catholic students who come to Holy Cross Academy and have not received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation or Eucharist are given individual instruction and assisted in the preparation and reception of these sacraments at the request of their families. These families are asked to inform our principal of their desire to receive the sacraments.  Students of other faiths who desire to be received into the Catholic Church are asked to contact one of our parish priests and discuss this with them.  With the approval of their parents and the parish priest, these students will be prepared to receive the sacraments.