Sacraments
Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community desires to equip and empower her parishioners to be missionary disciples. Part of this discipleship process is within the context of reception of the sacraments. Information regarding our formation processes is below. If you have any questions, or want more information, please contact our main office.
Christian Initiation
Baptism Preparation
Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community seeks to prepare parents for their role as primary educators within the home. “The Christian home is the place where children receive the first proclamation of the faith. For this reason the family home is called the ‘domestic church,’ a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and of Christian Charity” (CCC 1666). Parents of children who are in 1st grade or younger may be advised to take Baptism Preparation in addition to, or in the place of, Christian Initiation classes. The course selection is at the preparer's discretion.
First Reconciliation and Communion
Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community empowers parents to be their child’s “primary educators in the Faith” (CCC 1666). Partnering with families of students desiring First Reconciliation and First Communion, we use the Renewed and the Received curriculum published by Ascension Press. This formation unites parish and home life into one continuous path of faith formation, helps families establish faith practices, and nourishes the bonds between parish and family.
Confirmation Catechesis
Mary, Mother of the Church ACC’s Confirmation Catechesis follows the guidelines put in place by the Diocese of St. Cloud (see Sacramental Preparation Guidelines for Confirmation for the Diocese of St. Cloud under ‘Catechetical Resources’). Catechumens must attend catechesis, preparatory and other meetings, a retreat, and complete other outlined activities. Those in their sophomore year of high school are of age to prepare for the sacrament and will receive this sacrament in their junior year of high school.
Marriage Preparation
Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community’s Marriage Catechesis and Preparation follows the policies of the Diocese of St. Cloud. Preparations for Holy Matrimony should begin a minimum of 6 months prior to the proposed wedding date.
"Thus we come back to the concept that religious education is the most important component of education. The most urgent duty is to open the child’s path to God. Thus we can also say that to be formed religiously one must have living faith. To have living faith means to know God, to love Him, to serve Him.”
St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross