program information

Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church has a two year preparation program for First Holy Communion (also known as First Eucharist) and First Reconciliation preparation. Why? Because the mysteries of the Eucharist and Reconciliation require that the child have a deep foundation in order to understand & fully receive the Sacraments.

We offer an approach that is centered on the family and their journey with the child in sacramental preparation and faith formation. Rather than weekly classes in a classroom setting, parents guide their children in weekly study for 30–45 minutes at home. A complete curriculum and resources are provided to each family, and a parish catechist is available to you to answer questions, to guide you in making this special time with your children fruitful and enriching, and to track the progress of your child through the preparation. 

Once per month, at least one parent and their student are required to attend class with the parish catechist and other families in your group where special topics are emphasized, fun activities are included, assignment assessments collected for the month, and opportunity is given to ask questions and share experiences. 
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A family-centered approach deepens the role the domestic church plays in the faith formation of each child, providing opportunities for the entire family to learn, pray, and grow in relationship with Christ. Providing flexibility for instruction in the home with fewer class sessions is also intended to reduce the burden on busy families for whom weekly classes can become more a burden than a joy. The support of your parish catechist and other families in your group offers opportunities to connect your experiences as a family with the body of Christ and to find resources to assist you as you prepare your child for their encounter with Christ through the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. ​

Year ONE

First Communion preparation begins in the first grade.  

If your child does not attend a Catholic school, they are required to participate in First Communion Year One preparation in order to advance to Year Two.

​If your child attends a Catholic school, their school's religion classes will count as their Year One preparation. 

year TWO

​Any student entering into a First Communion Year Two must first have completed the prior year of Faith Formation in a parish, Catholic school, or Catholic homeschooling program approved by the parish. 

Parents, please send us verification that your child has completed a Year One program (letter from your previous parish, copy of school report card, etc.) here. 
All students and families are required to participate in Mass every weekend and on Holy Days of Obligation.
More information on the requirement of weekly Mass attendance can be found in the 2023-2024 Faith Formation Handbook below.
FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS:
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The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation) initiate a child into the life of the Church. For this reason, children receive Sacraments in their home parish (which may or may not be where they attend school).
Because Catholic schools do much of the preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation, Catholic school students are required to join four (4) of the eight (8) monthly Family Formation sessions in Year Two.  However, we welcome and encourage Catholic school students to attend as many sessions as they can so that they can build community with other students and get the most out of their sacramental preparation!

Important Requirements: 
  • The student and at least one parent attend at least four (4) of the eight (8) Family Formation sessions.
  • The student completes all work assigned for at-home formation and turns in their work to their First Communion catechist.
  • The student and at least one parent attend the First Communion rehearsal.
  • The student and their family participate in Mass every weekend and on Holy Days of Obligation.
FOR NON-CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS:
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Non-Catholic school students participate in First Communion preparation with their families at home and meet together monthly for Family Formation sessions throughout the year. 

Important Requirements: 
  • The student and at least one parent attend at least six (6) of the eight (8) monthly Family Formation sessions.
  • The student completes all work assigned for at-home formation and turns in their work to their First Communion catechist.
  • The student and at least one parent attend the First Communion rehearsal.
  • Participate in Mass every weekend and on Holy Days of Obligation.
FOR HOME-SCHOOL STUDENTS:​

​We ask students who are home-schooled using a Catholic curriculum to present texts of the curriculum for prior year  and current year formation to the Director of Child Formation and register in the Catholic School class.

Important Requirements: 
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  • Student and at least one parent attend four (4) of the eight (8) Family Formation sessions.
  • Attend the First Communion rehearsal
  • Participate in Mass every weekend and on Holy Day of Obligation.​
FOR OLDER STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT CELEBRATED THEIR FIRST COMMUNION:
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Non-Catholic School Students:
If your child is in second grade but has no prior year of Faith Formation, they will need to first complete First Communion Year 1 preparation. Please register them for First Communion Year I.   If your child is in third through fifth grade, please register them for Catch-Up for Sacramental Preparation.

Catholic School Students:
If your child is in third through fifth grades at a Catholic school, they are not required to participate in Year 1 preparation.  They should register for First Communion Year 2 Catholic School.  However, if they would like to prepare for their sacraments alongside other 3rd-5th graders, please speak to T.J. Cofield (tj@clare.church) about Catch-Up for Sacramental Preparation. 
Middle School and High School Students:
Please contact Fernando Cartagena (fernando@clare.church), Director of Youth Formation. ​​These students will prepare for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation through our Youth Formation program.

schedule

2023-2024 Faith Formation Sundays
​(Years One & Two)


Sunday, September 10
Sunday, October 8
Sunday, November 12
Sunday, December 10
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Important Dates for First Communion Year Two:


First Reconciliation  . . . . . . . . Saturday, February 24, 2024

First Communion Rehearsal/Retreat  . . . . . . .                             
                                                      . . . . . . Saturday, April 27, 2024

First Holy Communion Masses:
- Saturday, May 4, 2024
- Saturday, June 8, 2024

Families have their choice between two dates for their students' First Communion Mass to accommodate for their schedules and those of family members who may be traveling!

PRICE

Registration Cost for 2023-2024 First Holy Communion Preparation

First Communion Preparation Year One ............................................................................... $70 per student
First Communion Preparation Year Two ( for Non-Catholic School Students) .................... $85 per student
First Communion Preparation Year Two (for Catholic School Students) ..............................$45 per student
Questions about First Holy Communion preparation
for students in grades 1-5? 
Please contact T.J. Cofield, Director of Child Formation.