Sacramental Preparation
We recognize that parents are the first and best teachers of their children. As a Catholic community, we partner with families wherever they are on their faith journey, walking alongside you as your child encounters some of life’s most sacred and beautiful moments. Preparing for and receiving the sacraments are stepping stones on that journey, and, at St. Paul, we take great care to ensure these milestones are taught with reverence, celebrated with joy, and cherished forever.
While not all families in our community will participate in sacramental preparation (we warmly welcome students of all faith backgrounds), for those who do, these are deeply meaningful experiences that mark important moments in your child’s spiritual life.
Baptism
Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, welcoming a child into the family of God. When a family expresses interest in Catholic Baptism for themselves or their child, we work closely with our parish priests and Religious Education Coordinator to guide that family through the process with care and support.
Reconciliation and First Communion
For many families, First Eucharist (Communion) is one of the most beautiful days in a child’s life. Baptized students in first or second grade who wish to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist join families in our Religious Education Program for sacrament preparation. Through periodic evening gatherings, parents and children come together to pray, learn, and share in the excitement and wonder of this sacred time.
Baptized students in third through eighth grade can participate in sacramental preparation during shorter, smaller, and more focused afternoon sessions and receive First Eucharist at a liturgy arranged with a parish priest, ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience this profound sacrament.
Confirmation
Confirmation marks the moment when young people affirm their faith and embrace their role in the Church community. In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Confirmation is typically received during sophomore year of high school in the student’s home parish and takes two years of preparatory classes to become eligible. Our Confirmation Coordinator invites eighth graders at St. Paul to begin Confirmation Preparation during the summer after graduation, ensuring a smooth transition and continued spiritual growth.
These sacraments are celebrations of faith, family, and community. At St. Paul the Apostle School, we are honored to be part of these sacred moments in your child’s life.
