First Holy
Communion
Children prepare in 3rd grade through St. Francis Solanus School or the Parish School of Religion, and receive Confirmation and First Communion at the same Mass.
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, 'This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'
St. Paul reminds us here of the awesome mystery we celebrate in the Eucharist.
First Holy Communion, the first reception of the Eucharist, forms a unity with baptism and confirmation as one of the three "sacraments of Christian initiation."
Prepared in 3rd grade
Preparation for First Holy Communion is done through St. Francis Solanus School and through the Parish School of Religion (PSR) when children are in the 3rd grade.
With the implementation of the Restored Order of Sacraments, our 3rd graders also receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the same Mass, and before receiving their First Communion.
- St. Francis studentsPrepare through religion class at St. Francis Solanus School.
- Public school studentsPrepare through PSR on Monday evenings.
- Older childrenIf your child is past 3rd grade and hasn't received these sacraments, contact us and we'll help you find the right path.
You are their first and best teachers
There are also special programs that involve both the children and their parents. The involvement of parents is vital in preparing children for First Holy Communion and Confirmation, but the parish staff provides materials and classes to assist parents in their role as first and best teachers of their children.
Parents are required to attend the Confirmation/First Holy Communion parent meeting. This meeting will provide parents with information on how to help prepare their child for this sacrament. They also will receive a home study book that will help their child for the worthy reception of their First Holy Communion.
Important upcoming dates will be publicized when they are determined.
What a child needs to receive
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BeliefThat the child believes that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ.
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DesireThat the child has the desire to receive Christ in the Eucharist.
We're glad to help
Questions about preparation, the parent meeting, or a child who is older than 3rd grade? Contact Grant Wilson, our Director of Religious Education.
About Confirmation →
For St. Francis School and PSR families.