First Holy Communion Preparation                                                                 

The First Holy Communion program is an opportunity for families to reflect together on their experience of Eucharist and to prepare children for a deeper level of participation. Parents teach their children because home is the primary place for faith formation. While the home is the most natural place for reflection on the presence of Christ in our midst, we offer a two-year program for our First Holy Communion candidates structured in the traditional in-class setting. The recommended age for First Holy Communion is second grade (up to age 8) until sacrament is received.  After age 8, please see the Director of Religious Education. 
 

The following are some criteria to help you determine whether your child should prepare for First Eucharist:

• Has your child been participating in Sunday Mass on a regular basis?
• Has your child been participating in religious education classes through Catholic school or the parish religious education programs?
• Is your child beginning to know the responses and prayers at Mass?
• Is prayer a regular part of your child's life?
• Does your child exhibit the capacity for reverence that is necessary for sharing in the eucharistic banquet?

Requirements:

• Attendance at all Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.
• Attendance at all classes. Unexplained absence may determine reception of sacrament.
• Must learn "how to" celebrate the Eucharist in order to participate fully.
• Parental attendance is mandatory meetings as well as parental cooperation with directives from that meeting..
• Practice for First Communion mandatory.
• Dress code for 1st Communion:
  • Girls will wear white dresses, white socks, tights or knee socks, and a white veil.
  • Boys will wear white shirts, white ties, and navy blue or white suit and dress shoes.