Parents are the primary spiritual teachers helping their individual children learn the basic requirements of prayers and the familiar behaviors we use during the Mass. These are essential prior to beginning specific prepartion for these two sacraments of Reconciliation and first Eucharist. Because parents make promises at Baptism they must now be actively involved in the preparation of this child.

A series of classes for parents will be held during the year. Parents know their child very intimately and together with the teacher or program Director will make the final decision as to the full readiness of the child for these important sacrametns. Reconciliation will precede Eucharist and the children will generally receive First Communion together as a group during the Easter season.

A child who has reached the age of seven may be prepared for receiving the two sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. Children must be enrolled in the school or religious education programs for at least one year prior to beginning this preparation. Individual preparation is very much the exception. Children who are home-schooled must also prepare for these sacraments within the context of the faith community. Children who are older will need to participate in the RCIC process which is here.