CHICAGO (May 18, 2007)—Throughout this spring, Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools have prepared more than 11,000 students to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

Approximately 5,600 second-graders will receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for the first time, and more than 5,700 total students, from the seventh grade through high school, will receive the sacrament of Confirmation at parishes throughout Cook and Lake counties.

"Catholic schools are integral to the mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago by providing our students an apprenticeship in Christian living. One of the clearest expressions of this Catholic way of life is seen as our students prepare for and receive sacraments," said Nicholas Wolsonovich, Ph.D., Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Chicago.

In addition to sacramental preparation, Archdiocesan schools strengthened their Catholic identity with the design of a comprehensive religion curriculum for pre-kindergarten through grade eight, expected to be approved later this year.

Also, many school principals completed a certification process to become Coordinators of Religious Education, as did many teachers as Catechists. Professional development training on the subject of Catholic identity and mission was also conducted on a wide scale.