Sacramental Preparation

"We recognize that the Sacraments have a visible and invisible reality, a reality open to all the human senses but grasped in its God-given depths with the eyes of faith. When parents hug their children, for example, the visible reality we see is the hug. The invisible reality the hug conveys is love. We cannot "see" the love the hug expresses, though sometimes we can see its nurturing effect in the child."

            -  United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

WELCOME and thank you for visiting our Sacramental Preparation page. Our faith formation program offers sacramental preparation for Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation, through our weekly, monthly, and specific preparation through the Rites of Children's Christian Initiation (RCIC). 

First Reconciliation and Holy Communion typically take place in 2nd grade.

Confirmation is a two-year program for grades 9th and 10th, where confirmands receive their sacrament in the Fall of their junior year of high school.

Rites for Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is appropriate for children who are in their 4th-10th grade year(s), who wish to receive Baptism, First Reconciliation and Holy Communion. We offer a supplemental sacramental preparation, in addition to regular attendance of faith formation classes.

It's a privilege and joy to journey with you and your child(ren). Thank you for making faith formation an important part of your faith journey. 

Blessings,
Laura Montes, Coordinator of Faith Formation
Sacred Hearts Parish: 48 S Chestnut Street, Bradford, MA 01835
Telephone: (978) 373-1281 ext. 117, or  Email: [email protected]

First Communion Masses will take place at Sacred Hearts Church

Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Mrs. Predka's 2nd grade class

Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. Mrs. White's 2nd grade class

Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Mrs. Bronson/Mrs.Forde's class

Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. Mrs. West and Mrs.Keefe's class

Please pray for all of our young people and their families who will be celebrating First Holy Communion for the first time.

Memorial Flower Fund 

Make a donation to our First Communion Flower Fund in memory of loved ones. Names of your beloved deceased will be printed in our First Communion program. We use the donations to purchase a floral arrangement that will be displayed at the First Communion Masses. 
Deadline is Sunday, April 28th, 2024. 

First Communion Retreat **Faith Formation Families only***

The First Communion Retreat for Faith Formation students will be held Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., following the 9:00 a.m. Family Mass.  At least one (1) parent/guardian and students are required to attend.   The retreat for second-graders at SHS will be held during a school day.  At the retreat, students and families will spend time for prayer, practice a song, practice receiving an unconsecrated host, and tour the Church. 

Other Forms

Welcome Home Collage Drawing Instructions.pdf

Upcoming Calendar Dates

CONFIRMATION

Necessary forms to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and validly enter sacramental records can be found here: Confirmation Forms

Click here for more information about...

RITES OF CHILDREN'S CHRISTIAN INITIATION