Sacramental Preparation
​(Baptism, First Reconciliation & Communion, Confirmation)

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Baptism

​Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and are made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (CCC 1213)

To register please follow this link:  Baptismal Registration Form.

If your child is between 2nd and 6th grade, also register for the First Reconciliation and Communion program. Please see below for more information.

Baptismal candidates in 7th grade and above will be prepared through the Confirmation program. They will receive all three sacraments, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion, at the end of the formation process. Please see below for more information. 

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First Reconciliation and Communion

Our First Communion program has been developed to facilitate and support our parents as "first and best teachers of the faith,"   enabling them to prepare their children at home for the sacrament of First Holy Communion. This program is part of our family-based model of Faith Formation. 

The First Communion program is a two-year program. Children begin preparing in first grade and receive the sacrament in second grade.  In the first year of preparation, children will  join a Foundations class based on their school grade level for basic catechesis. Please refer to the Foundation page for more  information. 

During the second year of preparation, children join the First Communion preparation class.  Parents teach lessons at home with regular support from the  parish catechists.

Formation: 
At Home Preparation
Each family receives family friendly textbooks, detailed learning objectives, and teaching guides to help prepare their child at home. The material includes vocabulary, prayers, at home and online activities. Parents will be able to pick up  materials at OLQP during the required information meeting on First Communion scheduled for September  2023, at 7:00pm. For textbook and resources click First Reconciliation.  For textbook and resources click First Communion . 

Online Sessions
Children will review what they learn at home with a dedicated catechist on weekly  interactive Zoom sessions.  These weekly sessions will each be 20 minutes in length.  Meeting times will be defined by the catechist and parents. More details on info sessions and parent meeting are below. 

In-person Sessions
Children will also meet in person at OLQP with their catechist on the first Saturday of every month for approximately two hours beginning in October.  These  workshops are to review, reinforce, and evaluate the student's understanding of the lessons. 

​First Reconciliation 
First Reconciliation preparation begins in October, and the sacrament  is celebrated in December. There is a second reconciliation service prior to receiving First Communion. Information and materials about this will be distributed during the required parent meeting.  

First Communion
First Communion preparation begins in January, and the sacrament is celebrated in May. Further information and materials will be distributed at the required parents meeting. 

Fee
There is a $75 fee per year per student. This covers the textbooks and other materials. To pay the fee, please follow instructions during registration. If there is need, we offer scholarships. To request a scholarship, simply write to Cecilia Lopez Oetgen Clopez@olqpva.org. 
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Information Sessions & Meetings
All families of children receiving First Reconciliation and First Communion are required to attend the two  in-person family information sessions TBA.
September  7:00pm for First Reconciliation
January at 7:00pm for First Communion 
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Documentation
The following documentation is due at registration: For the baptized, please submit a copy of the baptismal certificate. For the unbaptized, please submit a copy of the birth certificate. You may scan it and send it by email or send a paper copy to the  Faith Formation  Office at 2700 South 19th Street, Arlington, Virginia, 22204. If the child was baptized at OLQP, please indicate so on the registration form. 

​To register 
Follow this link: Registration. 
​Registration begins on June 1, 2023, and ends on August 17, 2023. 

​For more information you can contact:
Cecilia Lopez Oetgen Clopez@olqpva.org 
Faith Formation Director​​

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Confirmation 

The Confirmation program is a two-year program.  Students can begin preparation when they are in 6th grade. 
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Formation


Second year students will follow a hybrid learning style. Candidates will meet with a catechist once a week  for 1 hour. Classes will run from October to June. Candidates work on service projects over the summer and return for review sessions and practice before Confirmations which  takes place in the fall. A calendar will be provided at the beginning of the year.  

We will use two main resources: Called to be Catholics & Confirmed in the Spirit. The first textbook helps the students review the basic tenants of the faith; the second textbook teaches the essential elements of confirmation. 

Retreats and Service Project
We will offer retreats as part of the program. 
Candidates will have the opportunity of doing their service during the Summer. Everybody has to finish their Service Project and reflection before mid August.

Cost
There is a $150 fee for the program. This covers the textbooks, and other materials for classes and retreats. To pay the fee, please follow instructions during registration. If there is need, we offer scholarships. To request a scholarship, simply write to Cecilia Lopez Oetgen Clopez@olqpva.org. 

Meetings
There is a mandatory meeting  for parents, August , 2023 at 7:00pm.  

Documentation
Due at Registration: For the baptized, please submit a copy of the baptismal certificate. For the unbaptized, please submit a copy of the birth certificate. You may scan and send by email or send a paper copy to The  Faith Formation Office at  2700 South 19th Street, Arlington, Virginia, 22204. If the child was baptized at OLQP, please indicate so in the registration form. 

​To register 
Follow this link: Registration. 
​Registration from mid-June to August 15th 

​Contact us:
Cecilia Lopez Oetgen Clopez@olqpva.org 
Faith Formation Director​​