First Communion Year 1

In the first year, the children will learn about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Penance or Confession.  Topics include the Ten Commandments, Examination of Conscience, Penance and Absolution, and Morality.  Reconciliation will be celebrated during Lent.  The children will the following prayers: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the Act of Contrition.

First Communion Year 2

In the second year, the children will learn about the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (Communion).  They will learn about the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist as well as how to receive.  Topics include Baptismal Promises, the Penitential Rite, the Mass as Sacrifice, the Last Supper, The Communion Rite, and the Mission of the Church.  The importance of attending weekly Sunday Mass becomes more evident at this time.

Before the First Eucharist liturgy, parents and children will attend a Parent/Child Eucharist Retreat.  This retreat provides a day of prayer and reflection.  Retreats are a great way to remove ourselves from the busyness of life and focus on our relationship with God and the Lord’s presence in our lives.  With open hearts, parents and children will be spiritually prepared to receive the Lord in the Eucharist at the First Eucharist Liturgy.

All families will receive a schedule in the month of January that includes the dates and times for Reconciliation, Parent/Child Eucharist Retreat, First Eucharist Rehearsal, and First Eucharist Liturgy.

Requirements for First Communion

Requirements for First Communion (Sacrament of Holy Eucharist)
  • Proof of Baptism (must bring in original certificate; the office will make a copy)
  • Minimum grade for Year 1 is first grade; Minimum grade for Year 2 is second grade
  • Attend Mass weekly
  • Attend scheduled classes (minimum of one absence for Family Catechesis)
  • Know the following prayers by the second year: Sign of the Cross, The Our Father, The Hail Mary, The Glory Be, and the Act of Contrition.
Second Year Requirements:
  • Attend Parent/Child Reconciliation Retreat
  • Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
  • Attend Parent/Child Eucharist Retreat
  • Attend First Eucharist Rehearsal
  • Attend First Eucharist Liturgy
First Communion Attire Guidelines
Girls wear white dresses.  Off white or beige is not acceptable.  The dresses must be floor or knee length. No strapless or spaghetti strap dresses unless a little jacket or sweater is worn. Shawls are not accepted.  Shoulders must be covered. They can wear white shoes and stockings or socks. Usually veils or flowers are worn in the hair, but this is optional. Gloves may be worn for pictures, but not for the First Eucharist Liturgy. Girls who wear gloves will be instructed to remove them prior to the beginning of Mass.
Boys wear dress pants (black, dark blue, gray or white), long or short sleeved button-down, collared white shirts, and black or white shoes/socks. Suit jackets and ties are appropriate but optional.