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 2024-2025 Faith Formation Handbook below.
FOR ALL YEAR ONE STUDENTS: 
Students and at least one of their parents are required to attend the monthly in-person sessions.  A maximum of two (2) absences is allowed per year for any reason. More than two absences will result in the need for the student to repeat the year.  There will be one (1) in-person make-up session at the end of the Formation year for anyone who needs to make up for an absence.

FOR YEAR TWO STUDENTS: 
​The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation) initiate a child into the life of the Church. For this reason, children prepare for and receive the Sacraments in their home parish (which may or may not be where they attend school).
Attendance Requirements: 
  • Students in Catholic school are required to attend a minimum of 4 of the 8 in-person sessions.
  • Students in non-Catholic schools are required to attend a minimum of 6 of the 8 in-person sessions.
  • There will be one (1) in-person make-up session at the end of the Formation year for anyone who needs to make up for an absence.
  • Each student and at least one parent are required to 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 the prior year  and current year of formation to the Director of Child Formation and to register as a Catholic School student.
FOR OLDER STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT CELEBRATED THEIR FIRST COMMUNION:
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Non-Catholic School Students:
If your child is in second (2nd) grade at a non-Catholic school and has no prior year of Faith Formation, they will need to first complete First Communion Year One preparation. Please register them for First Communion Year One.   If your student is in third (3rd) through fifth (5th) grade, please speak to T.J. Cofield ([email protected]) about CUSP (Catch-Up on Sacramental Preparation).
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Catholic School Students:
If your child is in third (3rd) through fifth (5th) grade at a Catholic school, they are not required to participate in Year One preparation.  Please register them for First Communion Year Two.  However, if they would like to prepare for their sacraments alongside other third (3rd) through fifth (5th) graders, please speak to T.J. Cofield ([email protected]) about CUSP (Catch-Up on Sacramental Preparation). 
Middle School and High School Students:
Please contact Fernando Cartagena ([email protected]), Director of Youth Formation. ​​These students will prepare for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation through our Youth Formation program.

schedule

2024 - 2025 Faith Formation Sundays
​(Years One & Two)

Sunday, September 8
Sunday, October 13
Sunday, November 10
Sunday, December 8
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Sunday, April 13, 2025

Class time:       12:15 - 2:00 p.m.
​Class location:     Bishop England H.S. A-Building
Pizza lunch is served before each class!
Important Dates for First Communion Year Two:


First Reconciliation  . . . . . . . . Saturday, February 22, 2025

First Communion Rehearsal   .  .  .  .  .  .  .                             
                                                      . . . . . . Saturday, May 3, 2025

First Holy Communion Masses:

Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
​Saturday, May 24, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.

​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 2024-2025 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.