Norwood Fontbonne Academy

Sacramental Preparation

Students in the second grade are formally prepared and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy. Parent Enrichment Evenings are planned by the campus minister and teachers. This meeting is scheduled prior to the reception of each sacrament to assist parents in preparing their children and to inform them of necessary details pertaining to receiving the sacraments. Students participate in a retreat day prior to receiving First Eucharist. The children have at least one formal year of preparation before receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Norwood-Fontbonne notifies the parishes and invites each pastor to participate in these celebrations. Each parent must obtain permission from the pastor to receive First Eucharist outside their parish.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the parish with the Bishop presiding. However we do offer a Confirmation preparation class here at NFA. Fifth and sixth grade students (depending on when their parish celebrates the sacrament) are invited to participate in the Confirmation preparation classes at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy. These classes begin in January and continue through April and take place during the regular Religion periods once a week. The classes are coordinated and taught by the campus ministers. This program enables the students to prepare for this sacrament with classmates and the faith community they are part of here at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy. This preparation time culminates in a retreat day experience. Depending on the parish, the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every year, every other year, or every three years. The students at Norwood-Fontbonne represent fifty-five parishes. It is the responsibility of the parents to notify their parish that their child is participating in the NFA preparation program. Parents must contact their parish regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation. Each parish celebrates this sacrament at different times of year and will have important information for members of their parish. NFA encourages its students to participate in as many of the parish Confirmation events (retreat, information sessions, etc) as possible in addition to the preparation done here and school.

Norwood Fontbonne Academy • 8891 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia PA 19118
Phone (215) 247-3811 Fax (215) 247-8405