Preparing to receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist is an exciting time for the whole family. We are happy to be in partnership with you in your child's preparation. Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two-year program.  

Children must be 7 years old or older to participate in the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion class and receive those sacraments.  

Faith Formation
1.  Register for your child's grade-level Faith Formation on Mondays (English) / Sunday (Spanish)

2.  Attend for at least one full academic year (first grade or higher).

3.  After one full year of Faith Formation, children will have an exit interview to evaluate if your child is ready for the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion program the following year.

Faith Formation with Sacrament Preparation
1.  Register for your child's grade-level Faith Formation with Sacramental Preparation on Sunday Mornings. Attend these classes throughout the academic year.

2.  Turn in a copy of your child's baptism certificate to the Religious Education Office.

3.  Required Parent Classes every month. One or both parents must attend in preparation for a child’s reception of First Reconciliation and First Communion.

4.  Participate in all scheduled practices/meetings/retreats.

5.  Schedule your child’s exit interview when requested.

All children, regardless of their academic model (public school, home school, private non-Catholic schools, Catholic Schools), should participate in their local parish catechetical programs for preparation of and reception of the sacraments and to participate fully in the life of their parish. “The parish is the most important locus in which the Christian community is formed and expressed” (General Directory for Catechesis, 257).

 

Commonly Asked Questions About First Communion Prep

1. How can I tell if my child is ready for First Communion?

Here are some indicators that your child is ready to celebrate the sacrament:

• Does your child have sufficient knowledge to understand the mystery of Christ according to his or her capacity and can he or she receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion?
• Does your child and some other family members regularly attend Sunday Mass?
• Is prayer a part of your child’s daily life?
• Does he or she show a reverence for God?
• Does your child have a relationship with Jesus?
• Does he or she know the difference between ordinary bread and wine and the Body and Blood of Jesus?

2. What should my child wear for First Communion Day?

• It has been a tradition for girls to wear white on First Communion day.  Actually, any light colored dress or even pantsuit is appropriate as well. Color should not be an issue.
• Traditionally, it has been white shirt, dark tie and slacks.  Some boys wear suits while others wear a vest with a shirt and tie and still others simply wear a colored shirt with a matching tie.  The color of slacks depends on the desire of the child and his parents (kahki, black, blue).