First Holy Communion and Reconciliation:

• Reconciliation: The sacrament of First Reconciliation is celebrated in the child’s second year of religious education. The child must be enrolled in a First Reconciliation preparation class and be simultaneously enrolled in the Religious Education program.

• First Holy Communion: The sacrament of First Holy Communion is celebrated in the child’s second year of religious education. The child must be enrolled in a First Communion preparation class and be simultaneously enrolled in the Religious Education program.

In grades 1 to 5, we teach the Sacrament of Reconciliation using  “First Reconciliation, Together in Jesus . We teach First Communion using “First Eucharist, Together in Jesus”. 

Reconciliation lessons focus on biblical stories about Christian living — including the Good Samaritan, the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Prodigal Son – to help children appreciate that God loves them and is always ready to forgive them. Activity stickers help children relate the stories to their lives. Also included are a “Questions Parents Ask” handout and a “Family Time” poster with at-home activities. Texts are published by Pflaum Publishing Group.

First Eucharist lessons explore the sacraments of initiation, the liturgical seasons, and the biblical stories of Zacchaeus, the loaves and the fish, and the Last Supper — drawing children into fuller and more active participation in the life of the Church. An easy-to-make First Eucharist booklet teaches the parts of the mass and serves as a memento of the special event. Texts are published by Pflaum Publishing Group.

In grades 6 to 12 we teach the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist using “God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist” published by Loyola Press. God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist offers powerful, meaningful lessons to help children and their parents understand, prepare for, and celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Engaging children’s hearts and minds through prayer opportunities, active learning, and compelling videos, God’s Gift leads children to a life of faith and discipleship.

For more information, contact the Religious Education Office at 302-856-0907.