First Reconciliation
At Holy Name of Mary children receive First Reconciliation in second grade. For information on Faith Formation classes, please contact the rectory at 716-699-2592 with any questions.
First Communion
At Holy Name of Mary Parish children receive First Communion in third grade. For information on Faith Formation classes, please contact the rectory at 716-699-2592 with any questions.
Confirmation
In the Old Testament the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the hoped-for Messiah for his saving mission. The descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism by John was the sign that this was he who was to come, the Messiah, the Son of God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; his whole life and his whole mission are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives him “without measure.”
This fullness of the Spirit was not to remain uniquely the Messiah’s, but was to be communicated to the whole messianic people. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmation for teens at Holy Name of Mary takes place at the end of your 10th grade year. Preparation is a one year process, beginning in ninth grade.
The class schedule and other information about Confirmation are found below.
Any questions or to register for confirmation call 716-699-2592.
Holy Name of Mary Church strives to provide a quality, comprehensive program of religious formation for both children and adults. This approach involves a course of study, field trips, liturgical participation, and an emphasis on parental involvement.
Our dedicated Coordinator of Religious Education, Ann Marie Fitzpatrick, and all of our conscientious teachers and aides are certified by the Diocese of Buffalo, and have attended workshops and other skill-building opportunities to constantly update their teaching credentials.
Volunteer are always needed to serve as teachers, aides, hall monitors, and various support services. Preparation for teaching is handled on an individual basis, and all those involved with children are required to participate in a “ Protecting God’s Children.”
Grades 1 -8
The students in the primary grades receive instruction immediately after school, and are transported home by the late bus. Appreciate forms must be submitted to the school to quality for this courtesy.
Classes run from September through May.
Grade 9 (and above)
Confirmation Class
Confirmation candidates meet once a month on a Sunday evening from October through April. A Sunday day-away retreat is mandatory in every April.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)
Typically, students in Grade 2 prepare for this sacrament in their course of study throughout the year. The reception of First Reconciliation takes place on a Saturday morning in early March.
Sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion)
Students in Grade 3 (and above) are eligible to receive their First Holy Communion once they have completed course of study. The celebration of First Communion occurs on the third Sunday of May (Sunday following Mother’s Day) at a special time and Mass.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Candidates in Grade 9 (and above) prepare for this sacraments through prayer, liturgical participation, and a day of retreat. Qualified and interested adults are prepared individually. The celebration of Confirmation usually occurs in early June; rehearsal is always the Sunday evening before the ceremony, followed by dinner.
Home Study is always an option for students and parents, particularly those outside of the Ellicottville Center School system. Books and other helpful materials are provided, and a review is held at the end of the year to ensure that the student has successfully completed their course of study.
An evening Vacation Bible School is conducted every mid-August for children four-years-old up to those entering the Fourth Grade in September.
Adult Education programs are held annually, usually during the Lent season, for faith enrichment and reflection.
Convert Instruction is handled on an individual basis, in a modified RCIA approach, for those interested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church. Reception into the Church, along with reception of the sacraments, follows the completion of faith instruction.