When a child demonstrates an ability to understand God's presence in the Eucharist, the parish invites the child and parents to prepare for reception of the Eucharist. The invitation is given when the child attains the age of discretion, i.e. about seven years of age, (2nd grade). Throughout the time of the parish religious education, the parents extend the parish program by weekly attendance at a parish Mass, working with the text issued by the Office of Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation, and by participating in in-person sessions as a group, including a First Communion Retreat.
Sacramental Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will be family- focused. Preparation will take place primarily in the home with opportunities to come together as a group throughout the journey. Parents will be given a book for each Sacrament with a schedule for completion at home. The schedule will have a series of due dates where work will be due to catechists. Books will be brought to in-person meetings and dropped off in the back of church to be checked.
Three times for each Sacrament, we will gather together at Holy Spirit for Mass, faith sharing, and discussion of important doctrine surrounding the Sacrament your child is preparing to receive. These 3 in-person sessions are mandatory for communicants and parent(s) or another adult family member intricately involved in the child's life/faith up brining. One of the three required sessions for First Holy Communion is the First Communion Retreat. This retreat will be for communicants only.
The purpose of this organization of the program is to place the focus on the fostering of the faith at home. As parents, you are the first teachers of the faith and preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion involves the formation of the family.
The cost of the program is $30. This covers the cost of books and supplies. You can pay by cash, check or online using our online giving site. If you are using the online giving site, please be sure to select "First Reconciliation - First Communion Preparation" in the drop-down box.
Click here to visit the online giving site
Below is the schedule for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion preparation for 2026-2027
This will also be emailed to registered families.
All sessions will be held at Holy Spirit.
Sacramental Preparation classes are held in addition to Wednesday evening Faith Formation Classes and Religion classes in the school.
First Reconciliation Parent Meeting: Monday, September 28, 2026, 6:00 pm
First Reconciliation Prayer Service: Saturday, February 6, 2027, 10:00 am
First Communion Retreat: Saturday, April 17, 2027, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
First Holy Communion Options: