NOTE: The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children. The purpose of the CCD program is to assist parents with this task. Students preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Penance and First Communion are required to pass the examinations administered by the CCD program. Students who attend the CCD course are personally coached, tested, and fully prepared to receive the Sacraments. Parents of students not attending the CCD course must make arrangements with Fr. Dow for reception of the Sacraments. Students preparing for Confirmation must participate in the Confirmation course and pass the confirmation examination. The Archdiocesan norm for Confirmation age is the 10th grade in school. Details of the Confirmation course will be announced. Students who have received this Sacrament are to continue their Catholic education through the 12th grade.