First Communion Policy

First Communion is a defining feature of being Catholic.  The time of preparation is an opportunity to develop an identity as a Catholic and to enrich your family’s practice of our faith. 
Preparation to receive the sacrament is ultimately the parents’ responsibility.

Parents must:

• Furnish the child’s baptismal certificate
• Attend scheduled First Communion meetings
• Help prepare their child for First Communion by doing the assigned study program
• Attend weekly Mass with their child
• Parents and children pray regularly at home

• Be baptized
• Be faithful in attending Religious Education classes
• Complete one year of Religious Education prior to the year of reception of the sacrament
• Attend scheduled First Communion meetings
• Attend Mass regularly

Learning to be a member of the Church, it is important that a child should attend the Religious Education classes with other children.  In order for children to be properly prepared to receive the sacrament, it is essential that they are present for all classes unless they have an excused absence from the instructor prior to class.  It is necessary that a child believe that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus and that they have a desire to be in communion with others, the Church.
The parents should make every effort to have their child present for all classes and to attend weekly Mass with them. The ultimate rule we use to determine whether we are prepared for the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ is our love for God and neighbors.