Sacrament of First Communion
What is First Communion?
First Communion, also known as First Holy Communion, is considered one of the Sacraments of Initiation, along with Baptism and Confirmation. First Communion is typically received by children ages 7 to 8.
First Communion holds great significance within the Catholic faith, as it represents the initiation into the reception of the Eucharist, a central aspect of Catholic worship and belief. It is a moment of spiritual growth, deepening the child's relationship with Christ and their participation in the Church's sacramental life.
What is First Reconciliation?
First Reconciliation, also known as First Confession or First Penance, is a sacrament that allows a child to experience God's love and mercy in a tangible way. It helps them understand the importance of acknowledging their faults, seeking forgiveness, and striving for ongoing conversion and reconciliation with God and others. First Communion is received prior to the child’s First Holy Communion.
During the preparation for First Reconciliation, children are taught about the importance of examining their conscience, recognizing their sins, and expressing true contrition. They are guided through the process of preparing a sincere confession, where they confess their sins to a priest in the privacy of the confessional.
How does a family prepare for First Communion at St. Patrick's?
Preparing for First Communion has two parts -- administration and catechesis. Families work with a member of our parish team to understand and fulfill the administrative requirements. The administration process starts by meeting with our pastoral assistant to discuss where the family and child are at in their spiritual journey. Parents must provide a certificate of baptism if we don't already have it on file.
Children must then complete the First Communion Preparation Class for sacramental catechesis. Parents will be guided through the registration process, including submitting a signed registration form confirming their understanding of the class terms and pay the class fee.
To learn more about how to prepare for First Communion, please download and read the First Communion & First Reconciliation Sacrament Guide.
First Communion Preparation Class
The First Communion Preparation Course is a program designed to educate children about the significance and meaning of the sacrament of Holy Communion. Completing the course is a requirement for your child to receive First Holy Communion.
The First Communion Preparation is offered at St. Patrick’s for children ages 7-8 and covers topics such as the Last Supper, the Eucharist, and the rituals and traditions associated with receiving the body and blood of Christ. The aim of the course is to prepare children to receive their first Holy Communion and deepen their understanding of the faith.
Expectations For Parents
Parents are expected to follow these basic guidelines to ensure their children are prepared and encouraged during this meaningful time of formation:
- Bring your child to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
- Arrive to Mass on time
- Utilize the missalette and pray Mass correctly
- Receive Communion regularly
- Receive the Sacrament of Penance regularly
- Arrive to class on time (9:00 am sharp)
- Discuss the weekly Mass readings with your child
- Discuss the homily with your child
- Review homework assignments and ensure completion
- Model forgiveness at home
- Occasionally go to Adoration as a family
- Daily pray for your child’s spiritual growth
Children enrolled in the First Communion Preparation Class must attend 90% of the scheduled classes. If a child misses more than 3 classes, he/she and their parents will need to meet with Fr. Timothy to determine if they are able to continue with formation.
Class Fees
There is a fee of $35 for each child that enrolls in the First Communion Preparation Class. The fee is used to cover the cost of materials including workbooks, study guides, and other resources. The parish office will send an invoice by email that can be paid online with a credit or debit card.
If you require financial assistance to help cover the course fees, please reach out to the parish office confidentially. We will ensure that every child who wishes to participate in the First Communion Preparation Class has the opportunity to do so.
2023-2024 Class Schedule
Classes for the 2023-2024 session start on Sunday, September 17, 2023 and end on Sunday, April 29, 2024. Classes are held in the Rectory Conference Room, starting promptly at 9:00 am and ending at 9:50 am.
Important lessons and class dates are below.
- September 17, 2023 - First class, parent/child orientation
- September 24 - Child safety lesson for children
- October 1 - Child protection lesson for parents
- March 25, 2024 - First Reconciliation during class time
- April 15 - First Communion ceremony at 10 AM Mass following class at normal time
- April 29 - Final class
There is no class on these dates.
- December 2, 2023 - Christmas Eve
- December 31, 2023 - New Year’s Eve
- April 8, 2024 - Easter Sunday
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my child for the First Communion Preparation Class?
Before a family is able to register for the First Communion Preparation Class, we ask for them meet with the parish pastoral team to discuss where the family and child are at in their faith journey. We discuss the family's relationship with St. Patrick's and if they are a member parishioner or interested in becoming one. We also discuss the administrative requirements to partake in the Sacrament such as providing a baptism certificate and other documention as needed.
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Is there a fee for the First Communion Preparation Class?
Yes, there is a $35 fee due upon registration. The fee is used to help cover the cost of workbooks, pencils, and other materials. Financial assistance is available upon request.
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Is the First Communion Preparation Class offered in Spanish?
At St. Patrick's, the First Communion Preparation Class is offered only in English. Please contact our office for a list of local parishes that offer a First Communion Preparation Class in Spanish.
Take the first step
The first step in the sacramental preparation process for First Communion and First Reconciliation is to fill out our online form.
