Lesson 1Session 12: Final preparation, retreat day, and rehearsal for sacramentsThis closing session reviews the entire journey, includes retreat-like contemplation, and practises the liturgies for First Communion and Confirmation, confirming adults are spiritually, emotionally, and logistically set for the celebrations ahead.
Review of key themes and gracesGuided retreat prayer and reflectionExamination of readiness and trustWalk-through of the sacramental ritesPlanning celebration and next stepsLesson 2Session 4: Sacraments of Initiation overview: Baptism, Eucharist, ConfirmationThis session introduces the three Sacraments of Initiation as a cohesive process, covering Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, their biblical origins, symbols, effects, and role in forming enduring Christian identity for lifelong faith.
Sacraments as signs and instruments of graceUnity of Baptism, Confirmation, EucharistBiblical foundations of initiationKey symbols and gestures in each sacramentOngoing effects in daily Christian lifeLesson 3Session 10: Prayer life and personal devotion: examen, lectio divina, and sacramental lifeThis session bolsters personal prayer habits, covering the daily examen, lectio divina, and consistent sacramental engagement, helping adults establish a reliable pattern of devotion that aids continuous conversion and outreach.
Foundations of Christian prayerStep-by-step daily examen practiceLectio divina with the Sunday GospelDevotion to Mary and the saintsRegular Mass, confession, and adorationLesson 4Session 11: Living the Christian life: moral teaching, social witness, and missionThis session covers Catholic moral principles, virtues, and conscience, then examines social doctrine, justice, and evangelising example, guiding adults to recognise their calling in family, work, parish, and broader community contexts.
Freedom, sin, and moral responsibilityCardinal and theological virtuesCatholic social teaching essentialsWitness in family, work, and societyParish involvement and lay ministriesLesson 5Session 5: Baptism essentials and preparation for unbaptised candidatesThis session highlights Baptism’s significance, graces, and ceremony, with focused support for unbaptised adults, including preparation phases, godparents, and practical arrangements for parish-based sacramental celebration.
Original sin and need for BaptismBaptismal promises and renunciationsWater, oil, white garment, and candleRole of godparents and Christian witnessesSteps for unbaptised adult candidatesLesson 6Session 6: Reconciliation—sin, conscience, examen, and sacramental confession practiceThis session investigates sin, turning to God, and conscience, then instructs on life examination and sacramental confession, including format, prayers, and rehearsal to ease anxieties and promote sincere repentance.
Mortal and venial sin explainedForming and following a right conscienceHow to make a daily examenStructure of the Rite of PenancePractice: preparing a first confessionLesson 7Session 8: Preparing for First Communion: rites, disposition, and practical rehearsalThis session equips adults practically and spiritually for First Communion, revisiting rites, inner preparation, fasting, and respect, with a detailed walkthrough for receiving the Eucharist during the liturgy.
Spiritual hunger and desire for JesusRequired disposition and state of graceCommunion fast and external reverenceHow to receive under different formsRehearsal of Communion processionLesson 8Session 9: Confirmation: gifts of the Holy Spirit, personal discernment, and sponsor roleThis session describes Confirmation as the Spirit’s outpouring, reviews the seven gifts and fruits, and assists adults in vocational discernment and service, including selecting and partnering with an appropriate sponsor.
Meaning and effects of ConfirmationSeven gifts and fruits of the SpiritAnointing, laying on of hands, and sealChoosing and working with a sponsorDiscerning personal gifts and vocationLesson 9Session 7: Eucharist doctrine: Real Presence, Liturgy of the Word and EucharistThis session enhances comprehension of the Eucharist as sacrifice, remembrance, and Real Presence, guiding through the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist to promote more aware and devoted participation in Mass.
Biblical roots of the EucharistReal Presence and transubstantiationMass as sacrifice and thanksgivingLiturgy of the Word: structure and meaningLiturgy of the Eucharist: prayers and ritesLesson 10Session 3: Church, Tradition, and Magisterium—authority and teachingThis session clarifies the Church’s nature, Christ’s founding purpose, and how Tradition and the Magisterium direct teachings, helping adults appreciate authority, unity, and their role in today’s Catholic community.
Biblical images of the ChurchMarks of the Church: one, holy, catholic, apostolicSacred Tradition and Sacred ScriptureRole of the Magisterium and the popeObedience, conscience, and assent of faithLesson 11Session 2: Who is God? Trinity, Revelation, and Scripture basicsThis session presents God as Trinity, God’s self-revelation through history and Jesus, and Scripture’s inspiration and Church interpretation, laying a strong base for subsequent sacramental instruction and faith exploration.
Images of God and personal experienceThe Trinity: Father, Son, Holy SpiritRevelation in salvation history and ChristInspiration and canon of ScriptureHow Catholics interpret the BibleLesson 12Session 1: Welcome, Storytelling, and Personal Journey mappingThis starting session fosters trust, encourages sharing personal stories, and charts each individual’s spiritual path, aiding them in articulating aspirations, queries, and objectives for adult preparation in First Communion and Confirmation.
Introductions and group expectationsSharing faith backgrounds and life storiesNaming hopes and fears for this processPersonal faith timeline and key momentsSetting individual spiritual goals
