The Archdiocese of Toronto has changed the elementary school grade for the candidates for Confirmation from Grade 8 to Grade 7. This will take effect September 8th, 2105 in terms of the sacramental preparation. Please see the attached letter from Cardinal Collins to Parish Priests regarding this change.
“There are two types of preparation for sacraments, initial (ongoing Religious Education) and immediate.
1) Initial (ongoing Religious Education) preparation encompasses:
! Sunday worship;
! Prayer in the family;
! Education in a Catholic School system (or equivalent formation in the parish in Catholic
doctrine and lifestyle)
! Daily living of a Catholic lifestyle appropriate to one’s age and spiritual development. In the Catholic Schools, the catechetical program, Born Of The Spirit (grades 1-6) and We Are Strong Together (grades 7,8), is taught to the children. This teaching is an integral part of initial (ongoing Religious Education) preparation for the celebration of all sacraments…
2) Immediate preparation encompasses:
! Sunday worship;
! Prayer in the family;
! Specific sacramental catechesis on the sacrament being anticipated;
! Daily living of a Catholic lifestyle appropriate to one’s age and spiritual development
The immediate preparation for all candidates for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation is the responsibility of parents and of the parish.”