Celebrating Sacraments with Children: An Archdiocesan Conference

Celebrating Celebrating Faith with Our Youngest Catholics

First Communions, Confirmations, Quinceañeras, and more -

Children’s liturgical celebrations—whether First Communion, Confirmation, Quinceañeras, or other milestone moments—offer powerful opportunities to share our faith and mark sacred milestones in the lives of our youngest Catholics.

Join pastors, directors and coordinators of religious education, Catholic school principals and teachers, and parents for this day of inspirational and practical guidance on how to plan meaningful and joyful sacramental celebrations for children.

Topics and Workshops Will Include:

• Planning and scheduling children’s liturgies
• Selecting appropriate readings, prayers, and music
• Engaging families in the preparation and celebration of the sacraments
• Guidelines for reverent and appropriate attire
• Honoring the diverse cultural traditions represented across the archdiocese
• Evaluating long-standing practices and exploring fresh opportunities for renewal

Get a head start on preparing your spring sacramental celebrations. Come together with clergy, educators, and families to explore the richness and potential of creating first-class liturgical experiences that nurture young hearts in the faith.

Keynote by Dr. Donna Eschenauer, Author of First Communion Liturgies: Preparing First-Class First Celebrations

Workshops taught by:

Fr. Matthew Ernest, S.T.D., Director of the Office of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of New York

Diana Pizarro, Office of Faith Formation, Diocese of Rockville Centre

Sarah Jane Starcher Germani, Archdiocese of New York Liturgical Music Commission

Holy Hour and Lunch are included and opportunituies for discussion and fellowship.

Schedule:

9:30am - Registration Opens

10am - Keynote with Dr. Eschenauer

11am - Workshops - A. Preparing First-Class Communion Liturgies with Dr. Donna Eschenauer and B. Confirmation, not Graduation! with Fr. Matthew Ernest

12pm - Lunch

1pm - Workshops: A. Quinceañeras and Spanish-Language Sacramental Celebrations with Children with Diane Pizarro, B. Sing to the Lord!: Selecting and Preparing Music for Liturgies with Children with Sarah Jane Starcher Germani

2pm - Roundtable Discussion and Q and A with presenters

3pm - Departure

Host or Publisher Archdiocese of New York Office of Liturgy