Sacramental Preparation
For First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
“Then He took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of Me.’ And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which will be shed for you.’”
Luke 22: 19-20
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
When a child reaches the age of reason, around 7 years of age, he or she is given the gift of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The age of reason implies that the child has the ability to acknowledge the difference between right and wrong and make a choice between the two. Because of this ability to make moral choices, sin enters into the life of the child.
Thus, a child needs the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Important dates for 2023-2024 Year:
May 1: First Communion Retreat/Rehearsal, 5:00-7:00 pm,
at least one parent must attend with child.
May 4: First Holy Communion, 10:15 am arrival, 11:00 am Mass.
Please Note:
- We have a few Communion dresses/shoes/bag that are free and hanging outside the Faith Formation office.
- There are Children’s books of the Mass for them to follow along on the carts outside the church.
- Your child should have the Act of Contrition and Our Father prayers memorized to receive the sacraments
1st Communion Dress Code:
Boys - Required
White Oxford shirt, long or short sleeves
Navy or black dress pants with belt
Solid, striped, or subtle print tie
Dark dress shoes with dark socks;
no tennis shoes or boots
Boys - Optional
Suit's/Dress jackets
Girls - Required
White dress, below the knee and not touching the floor. Shoulders must be covered; No spaghetti straps.
White shoes, 1.5" max heel, open toe is fine.
White ankle socks, tights or nude color hose.
Girls - Optional
Sheer white, veil with a simple headpiece, no longer than mid-back.
No large tiaras or bridal headpieces.
**Gloves/books/rosaries, etc; are not allowed for Mass**
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Our Program:
The material for Sacramental Prep is Saint Mary’s Press Go Seek Find. The core text of this program is the Catholic Children’s Bible, which every student will receive at the beginning of the year along with a tote to carry it in. Children will explore the sacraments through the biblical lens of Jesus’ life and works and learn more about their faith in language they can understand.
GO SEEK FIND: Discover God's Treasures
The year is divided into 2 parts. The first half of the year the children will focus on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the second half of the year the children will focus on the Sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist.
For detailed information you can visit the program website below.
Requirements
In order to prepare for these Sacraments of Initiation, a child must exhibit a readiness to prepare for and receive them. Spiritual growth happens at a different rate for all of us, and recognizing this, St. Mary offers a separate tract for preparation in order that all recipients fully understand, to their capacity, the tremendous gifts of forgiveness and Eucharist in their lives.
Requirements:
- Two consecutive years of formal religious formation prior to celebration
- Readiness Evaluation signed by parents on file.
- Attend Parent meetings
- Attendance at a family retreat
Parents should consider the guidelines in conjunction with the personal experience/knowledge of your child prior to enrolling for Sacramental prep. The Readiness Checklist will guide parents in their decision to enroll their child.