First Communion Program for Children and Youth
Welcome Parents! We hope this page will help you as you help your child in this important year sacramental year.
The First Communion program is for children and youth in 2nd – 12th grades. The traditional age for receiving first communion is 2nd grade, however, we know that sometimes there are circumstances that prevent this from happening. We encourage you to enroll your child as soon as possible to receive their sacraments. Children and youth seeking first communion will also receive their first reconciliation during the year. Registration for the First Communion Program opens in April of each year and closes on September 1st.
Requirements
Children in 2nd grade – 6th grade who are seeking first communion will attend weekly sacramental preparation classes that focus specifically on first reconciliation and first communion preparation.
Youth in 7th grade and older who are seeking first communion will attend weekly faith formation classes with their peers. They will receive separate sacramental preparation for their first reconciliation and first communion at the two retreats held throughout the year.
All children and youth are required to:
1. Attend all classes, missing no more than 3 classes in the year.
2. Attend the Reconciliation retreat along with a parent on January 13, 2024.
3. Attend the First Communion retreat along with a parent on April 6, 2024.
4. Know the Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Hail Mary, Our Father, and Act of Contrition in either English or Spanish.
5. Know the items on the I Am Ready for First Reconciliation and I Am Ready for First Communion practice pages.
I Am Ready practice pages are available by clicking below.
First Reconciliation and FirstCommunion are important sacraments. First Communion is the second of the three sacraments of initiation in the Catholic faith. We want our children to be well-prepared and truly ready to receive them. You as the parent play an important part in their preparation. Although the program provides weekly instruction, there is not enough time to learn all of the aspects of faith. It is through your example that your children will truly know Christ. We ask you as parents to take your children to mass regularly so they can meet Jesus, review the materials sent home each week with your child so they can learn the concepts, and help them know the required prayers and information on the practice pages. All children and youth in 2nd-12th grade are required to know the information on the practice pages.
Required Retreats
There are two required retreats in preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Attendance is required for both parents and students. These retreats are meant to provide spiritual, catechetical, and personal formation for you as parents and for your children as they prepare for the sacraments. At least one parent must be in attendance. Students and parents must complete the entire retreat. Failure to attend retreats may prevent your child from receiving the sacraments.
We understand that not all parents may be able to attend retreats due to work or other conflicts. There are two makeup options available.
Alternate Adult. A trusted adult, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle, may attend with your child in your place.
Makeup Sessions. The parent portion may be made up by attending three 2-hour makeup sessions as scheduled by the program director. The student portion may be made up by completing an at-home activity packet. Parents will be responsible for helping their children complete the packet.
We highly encourage parents to make these retreats a priority.
Reconciliation Retreat: Saturday, January 13, 2024 8:30-2:00
First Communion Retreat: Saturday, April 6, 2024 8:30-2:00
Please complete a registration form for each retreat so we know which adult is in attendance. You may complete your registration online by clicking below:
Reconciliation Retreat Registration (English)
Note: The date for First Reconciliation has changed to January 24, 2024.
Additional Information
Additional information, including additional requirements, first communion dress code, and photograph policy may be found in our parent handbook.
For more information or to register, please contact Sr. Jesusmaikelyn De La Cruz at jesusmaikelyn@stmarysgi.com or 308-384-2523 x213. Please refer to the bulletin for important information including open registration times.