First Eucharist       First Reconciliation        Infant Baptism

Please Note: Celebrating Eucharist and Reconciliation for the first time will be celebrated in the parish twice a year—at the convenience of the parish. Readiness for the sacraments will be determined by the parents in partnership with the parish staff.  Each child must meet the formation and liturgical requirements of the Diocese of Pueblo and Our Lady of the Meadows parish.

Who may participate:

• Children of families who are registered parishioners of Our Lady of the Meadows.
• Children who have been baptized in the Catholic Church (a copy of the child’s baptism certificate will be required.)
• Children who have decided to receive Christ in their lives—with the guidance of their parents and parish staff—are considered ready  to share in the sacrament.
• Children who are registered in and regularly attend GIFT—Growing in Faith Together (No more than one absence in a year.)

Formation Requirements:

• Regular attendance in a formation process one year prior to beginning preparation to  receive the sacrament.  No more than one absence during the year.
• Weekend Mass attendance
• Regular participation in Children’s Liturgy of the Word at Our Lady of the Meadows.
• Attendance at  one of  the First Sacraments Retreat September 14, 2008 or October 12, 2008 . Please call ahead to make arrangements to attend one of these retreats (561-3580).

Who May Participate:

• Children of families who are registered parishioners of Our Lady of the Meadows.
• Children who have been baptized in the Catholic Church (a copy of the child’s baptism certificate will be required).
• As a guide, the Diocese of Pueblo expects that all children will have received formation and celebrated reconciliation by the fifth grade.  Preparation for the sacrament will be available when the child is ready. Children who are registered in and regularly attend GIFT—Growing in Faith Together.
• No more than one absence in a year.
• Any child who is willing to grow in their faith and live their lives as a Christian is considered ready to receive the sacrament. This decision is made with the guidance of the parents with the help of the parish staff.

Formation Requirements:

• Regular attendance in a formation process one year prior to beginning preparation to receive the sacrament.
•  
• Weekend Mass attendance
•  
• Regular participation in Children’s Liturgy of the Word at Our Lady of the Meadows.
•  
• Family participation in one of the  First Sacraments retreat:  September 14, 2008 or October 12, 2008.
• Please call ahead to make arrangements to attend one of  these retreats (561-3580)
  

Congratulations on adding a new member to your family! We rejoice with you and welcome all of you to our faith community. Our Lady of the Meadows parish encourages all parents hoping to have their child baptized to plan early. While you are expecting is not too early to think about preparing the family for the sacrament.  Our requirements are:

• The family must be registered members of the parish and attend Mass each weekend.
•  An appointment to meet with Fr. Kevin, pastor.
• A firm commitment by parents to raise their child in the Catholic faith to the best of their ability.  If  parents  are unwilling or unable to do this, baptism may be delayed until they can accept these responsibilities.
• A copy of the baby’s birth certificate
• Certification from godparent’s parish of eligibility to be godparents.
• Attendance at our parish baptism preparation
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• In order to accept the responsibilities of being a godparent, one must:
• Understand the role of godparents in the life of the child.
• Attend a parish baptism preparation program
• Be at least 16 years of age and fully initiated in the Catholic Christian Community: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
• Be  an active participant in a Catholic Parish.

There is a $50 fee to defray the costs associated with this  program.