First Penance & Communion for Children

Welcome!

This page is for those wanting their children in the 2nd grade to receive First Communion. This formation includes First Penance and Reconciliation.

If your child has not been baptized yet, please click here.

If your child is 7 years old and older, please click here.

• Is Your Child and Family Ready?

  There is no rush to get started if your child or your family isn’t ready. We can always take the year to ease into it.

  What does it mean to be “ready” for First Communion?

  • Your child was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, and you can produce the baptismal certificate at time of registration (along with your child’s birth certificate).

  • Your child is at least 7 years old at the time First Communion Preparation begins on October 1st.

  • Your child desires First Communion.

  As a parent, your role in your child’s formation is essential to their journey toward holiness. The Church asks that you show a firm commitment to living and practicing the Catholic faith.

  There are no conveyor belts to Heaven or the sacraments. This year is not the right year for your family if you cannot answer “YES!” to the following questions:

  • Do you attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation?
    Jesus commands us to keep the Lord’s Day holy. Skipping Mass without a serious reason is a mortal sin. If Mass attendance is not already a habit, now is a great time to return to this sacred rhythm.

  • Do you go to Confession regularly?
    At the bare minimum, the Church asks every Catholic to go to Confession at least once a year. But ideally, we go monthly. Frequent Confession brings healing and strength.

  • Do you receive Holy Communion at least once a year (during Easter season)?
    If you're in a state of grace, receiving the Eucharist more often is encouraged—it is our spiritual food!

  • Do you continue to learn and grow in the faith?
    You’ve been confirmed—but the journey doesn’t end there. Do you seek to deepen your understanding of what the Church teaches and why?

  • Do you live the Church’s vision of marriage and family life?
    Are you married in the Catholic Church (if applicable)? Are you raising your children in the faith? Parenting supports the same kind of commitment.

  • Do you support the Church?
    Through your time, talent, and treasure—do you serve your parish and support the mission of the wider Church, including our Holy Father?

  • Do you practice penance?
    Do you follow the Church’s calls to fast and abstain from meat on the appointed days?

  • Do you share the Faith?
    Parents are missionary disciples. Are you willing to live and speak about your faith in ways that help others come to know Jesus?

  What Happens If We’re Not There Yet?

  Don’t be discouraged. If you find yourself saying “not yet” to some of the above, it doesn’t mean you’re rejected—it means the Church is inviting you to grow.

  The Eucharist is too sacred to treat casually, and your “yes” as a parent matters more than just today—it lasts for a lifetime.

  We’d love to walk with you and support your journey back into full practice of the faith. That’s what the Church is here for.

• Family Expectations

  • Families attend Mass every Sunday and Catholic parent(s) go to confession at least once a year, as required in the Church Precepts

  • Students will attend weekly Religious Education classes

  • Parents will work with their children to complete the books for First Communion

  • Students will attend First Penance and Reconciliation and Communion Retreat (Spring)

  • In addition to Faith Formation classes, students will attend First Penance and Reconciliation and Communion classes

• Requirements

  • Child has been baptized in a Catholic Church

  • Has reached the age of reason (about 7-8 years)

  • Has completed one year of Religious Education and will continue during this preparation year

• Volunteer in Youth Formation

  Who Can Serve

  Any Catholic in good standing 18 years old and up

  What We Do

  We help prepare and support children as they celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation and eucharist, offering assistance during the sacramental preparation classes and the Sacrament ceremonies.

  Why You Should Serve

  Because doing so allows you to guide and support children in their important milestones of receiving the sacraments, helping them deepen their faith and experience the love and forgiveness of God.

  When We Volunteer

  During sacramental preparation classes, retreats, and the Sacraments ceremonies.

  Required Safe Environment Training

  If you are 18 years old and above, our archdiocese requires all adult volunteers to complete safe environment training.

  This short one-hour online training teaches people how to create a secure and protected environment for everyone, especially children, by recognizing and preventing potential risks or harm.

  Click here to register for Safe Environment Training.

  SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

First Reconciliation & Communion Enrollment Steps

1

Register your child for Religious Education and Sacrament Preparation

Just like our children go to school every year, our children should attend Religious Education each year to encourage and reinforce the formation they are already receiving at home.

2

Submit a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate

If your child was baptized at Annunciation, mark that on the faith formation registration form.

If your child was not baptized at Annunciation, you may upload a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate in the faith formation registration form or upload a copy here.

3

Complete First Communion requirements

In order for your child to be eligible for first communion, he or she must: fulfill faith formation class requirements, attend the sacrament preparation retreat(s), and complete all necessary paperwork.

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