First Communion & First Reconciliation

Saint Clare of Assisi offers preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, typically beginning in first grade and continuing through second grade. This program is designed to help parents and students grow together in faith as children prepare to receive these sacred Sacraments.

Program Overview

Year One

  • Typically begins in 1st grade.
  • Required for 1st grade students not enrolled in Catholic school.
  • Students and at least one parent are required to attend monthly in-person sessions.
  • A maximum of two absences is allowed for the year.

Year Two

  • Typically completed in 2nd grade.
  • Required for 2nd grade students in both Catholic and non-Catholic schools.
  • Students and at least one parent are required to attend monthly in-person sessions.
  • Catholic school students must attend at least 4 of the 8 in-person sessions.
  • Non-Catholic school students must attend at least 6 of the 8 in-person sessions.
  • First Communion Year Two and CUSP students, along with one parent or guardian, are expected to attend the First Communion Rehearsal.

View the 2026–2027 Faith Formation Handbook »

Schedule & Location

First Communion Preparation classes are held at Bishop England High School from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m. on select Sundays. Pizza lunch will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle.

2026–2027 Class Dates

  • September 20
  • October 18
  • November 8
  • December 13: Family Retreat Day
  • January 10
  • February 7
  • March 21: Family Retreat Day
  • April 11

Additional Year Two Dates

  • First Reconciliation: Saturday, February 27, 2027
  • First Communion Rehearsal: Saturday, May 1, 2027
  • First Communion Masses: Saturday, May 8 and Saturday, May 15, 2027

Mass Attendance

Weekly participation in Mass is a fundamental part of deepening your child’s faith. All students in Sacramental Preparation programs and/or Catholic schools are required to check in at each Sunday Mass and Holy Day of Obligation and maintain a Mass attendance rate of at least 75%.

Older Students

If your child is in 3rd through 12th grade and would like to be fully received into the Church or is missing any Sacraments of Initiation, including Baptism, First Communion, and/or Confirmation, please consider CUSP, our Catch-Up on Sacramental Preparation program.

For more information, contact T.J. Cofield for grades 3–5 or Fernando Cartagena for grades 6–12.

Registration Fees

  • First Communion Year One: $85 per student
  • First Communion Year Two: $100 per student
  • First Communion Year Two — Catholic School: $60 per student

Questions?

For questions about First Holy Communion preparation for students in grades 1–5,
contact T.J. Cofield, Director of Child Formation:
[email protected]