Catholic Faith Formation

Sacramental Preparation

Sacramental preparation for First Communion & First Penance is a two-year program beginning in first grade. After the completion of the preparation period, children receive the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation in the spring of their second-grade year. Children who attend Religious Education classes or a parochial school and are registered parishioners of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Parish will make their sacraments together in the parish.

Sacramental preparation for Confirmation is a two-year program beginning in seventh grade. After the completion of the preparation period, youth receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of their eighth-grade year. Confirmation is scheduled by the Diocese of Harrisburg, not the local parish. Children who attend Religious Education classes or a parochial school and are registered parishioners of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish will make their sacraments together in the parish designated by the Diocese.

Group of children in white dresses and formal attire posing in a church with two priests, against an altar backdrop.
Group of young people standing in front of a church altar, dressed in formal attire.

Religious Education at ABVM

The parish is the center of faith formation for Catholics. Every person in our pews, every Catholic in our parish community…child or adult…is on their journey toward Christ and a life of discipleship.

We offer Religious Education classes for children and youth in grades 1 -8. Religious Education classes meet September through April on Wednesday evenings from 6:45-8:00 pm. To register or for more information, contact Christine Sanders, CRE at 717-637-1191 or csanders@abvmchurch.org or csanders@hbgdiocese.org

Group of adults and children smiling, seated and standing in a gym with a basketball hoop in the background. Some hold boxes, and a child holds a blue ball.

ABVM

Middle School Youth Group

Group of children and an adult participating in a hands-on activity in a gymnasium, involving cups and balloons. Tables and stacked chairs are visible in the background.

Youth Group is Faith and Fun for middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Our goal is to give middle school teens a place to grow in faith, serve their Church and community, meet new friends and have alot of fun. Middle School students from any local parish are welcome!

Text reading "Middle School Youth Group" in colorful, bold letters against a dark background.