First Reconciliation and First Communion
are typically celebrated
in the second grade at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Children need to be baptized, at least 7 years old and in the second grade in order to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Sacramental Faith Formation is a separate program and is not a part of the regular faith formation process (religious education classes). All children wishing to celebrate First Reconciliation or First Communion must be enrolled in a Faith Formation program. Children are encouraged to attend Sunday Mass weekly, as well as Holy Days of Obligation.
Please register by January 1, 2023
2022-2023 Sacramental
Preparation Calendar of Events
Contact Jill Irlbeck, Faith Formation Administrative Assistant at jirlbeck@sfacc.org or 937-433-1013 x1006 for more information
October
19
4:45-
5:45PM
20
7:00-
8:00PM
23
9:45-
10:45PM
Parent Meetings
For parents of second graders and all children receiving First Communion in 2023. Get information about your child’s preparation for these sacraments. You will receive “The Gift of Reconciliation” booklet at this meeting. Choose one time that works for your schedule.
January
22
12:30-
1:30PM
Reconciliation Conversation & Mock Confession
For second graders and all children receiving First Communion in 2023 and their parents. “The Gift of Reconciliation” booklet is to be completed and turned in at the retreat. Fr. Brian Phelps will discuss the Sacrament of Reconciliation with the parents and children. He will also discuss how to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “The Gift of Eucharist” booklet will be distributed to families at this retreat.
January
28
9:30-
11:00AM
First Reconciliation Celebration
Children are expected to prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving First Communion. We want every child to have a parent present to participate in the prayer service and present their child to Fr. Brian Phelps or a visiting priest for Reconciliation.
March
05
1:30-
4:30PM
First Communion Retreat – Jesus Day 1
For second graders and all children receiving First Communion in 2023 and their parents. First Communicants and their parents will enjoy several activities together that day. If need be, you may bring other children, but suggest that you make other arrangements. Lunch will not be provided that day. Please make sure you get a bite to eat beforehand.
April
02
1:30-
4:30PM
Jesus Day 2 with Pictures/Banner Making
1:30-2pm: Individual photos
2pm: Large group photo (a wonderful memento for the parish & participants to have)
After photos, First Communicants and their parents will practice for First Communion and enjoy and activity together that day. If need be, you may bring other children, but suggest that you make other arrangements. Lunch will not be provided that day. Please make sure you get a bite to eat beforehand.
Things to remember for Sunday, April 02, 2023:
- Bring your child in clothes ready for First Communion pictures. Completed photo form (make checks payable to Life Touch). A change of clothes for your child after the photo session
- Completed family pew banner
- Completed “The Gift of the Eucharist” booklet
- Return “First Eucharist Family Guide” booklet
- Turn in any other items (picture, baptismal certificate, etc.) requested by the Faith Formation Office if you haven’t already turned them in.
- Parents, bring a snake to share (to be determined)
- Bring any religious items you might like your child to hold for individual photo (rosary, prayer book, etc.)
.
April
29
30
30
4:30PM
8:30AM
11:00AM
May
06
4:30PM
07
8:30AM
07
11:00AM
First Communion Celebrations
2021-22 Sacrament Guidelines for First Communion: Fasting is required for one hour before receiving Holy Communion. This means that no food or drink is taken for one hour prior to Communion. Water and medicine are allowed. “Special occasion” clothes, such as those worn at Easter would be fine. You need not buy new clothes; we trust your judgment as parents.
Photography/Videography: Out of reverence for our prayer together, we ask that no candid pictures or flash photography be taken during the ceremony. You may take unlimited pictures before and after the ceremony.
May
21
1:00-
2:00PM
Jesus Day 3 Mystagogy
First Communicants and their parents are encouraged to attend.
More information to follow. We will keep you posted when we know more information. Dates and times are subject to change.
Contact Jill Irlbeck, Faith Formation Admin Assistant, at jirlbeck@sfacc.org
or 937-433-1013 x1006 for more information.