1st Reconciliation & 1st Communion Child Sacrament Preparation

What a joy when a child is ready to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation/Confession and First Holy Communion! Being forgiven of our sins in Reconciliation and receiving the most Precious Body and Blood of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist are great gifts given to us by Jesus and entrusted to the Church.

In addition to being at least seven years old by the date of First Holy Communion (Sunday, May 5th, 2024), those seeking the Sacrament of First Reconciliation must:

• be a baptized Catholic
• have attained the use of reason
• have contrition for sin
• have a firm resolution to sin no more
• and be suitably instructed and properly disposed.

Furthermore, those seeking First Holy Communion must:

• be a baptized Catholic
• have made a prior confession
• have attained the use of reason
• be in a state of grace
• be suitably instructed and properly disposed*
• and have abstained from food or drink for at least one hour prior to reception.

*In order to be considered as suitably instructed and properly disposed, children must “understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and be able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion.”

When ready, the preparation for these sacraments is also a wonderful opportunity for parents to likewise grow deeper in their faith as they have the chance to experience the journey along with their children. The Diocese of Madison recognizes this unique opportunity by including parent involvement in the requirements for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. It is certainly true that no matter where we are in our faith, there is always room to grow, especially through the lens of leading our children in the faith. Additionally, growing in community with other parents and families can add so much to our faith and to this preparation experience. Even more, it is a journey that invites the child and parents to the love, grace, and mercy that Jesus is waiting to pour out upon each of us. It is truly a joyful time full of potential!

On that note, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion sacramental preparation for the 2023-24 school year will be a joint program for all families in our Pastorate 19 Faith Formation Program, Catholic Schools, and those who homeschool. These will be the required additional sessions outside of the normal family faith formation schedule and/or school day. One or both parents are expected to attend these sessions with their child. These sacramental prep sessions will be held once per month at St. Francis Xavier, beginning on Thursday, October 5th (a full schedule will be provided to those families). Parents will meet at the same time as their children, but they will have sessions geared specifically for adults. We are excited to be using the “Signs of Grace” curriculum from the Augustine Institute for the children’s program, and parents will be using the “Forgiven” and “Presence” adult faith formation enrichment series, also from the Augustine Institute. Thank you for the opportunity to share in the sacramental preparation of your child(ren)! May God’s blessings be with you every step of the way!

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion for the 2023-2024 year is on the same form as the Emmaus registration.

Register Here!