1st Communion for Children
St. Anthony of Padua’s Sacrament Preparation program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child.
We look forward to helping your child prepare for these incredible Sacraments. Review the following to determine if you and your child are ready to enter the “Sacramental Preparation Program.”
Is your child ready?
Does your child meet the six requirements listed below?
1. Your child was Baptized or made a Profession of Faith in the Roman Catholic Church
- At the time of Registration, you will need to produce a Baptismal certificate and a Birth Certificate.
- If your child is not baptized and over the age of 7, contact Leslie Bevilaqua to inquire about our RCIA for Children program.
2. Your child is at least in 2nd Grade AND at least 7 years old at the time Sacramental Preparation begins in September
- The Sacrament Preparation program is for children from 2nd through 8th grade
- Example: If your child is in 1st Grade, they will complete One Year of Faith Formation and then be ready to register for Sacramental Preparation in 2nd Grade.
3. Your child has completed one year of Faith Formation or Catholic School with good attendance during the 2023-2024 School Year
- Children are allowed a total of 3 absences for the Faith Formation year without completing homework, but we ask that children complete homework each time they miss a class because lessons build upon each other. Homework is sent home with children the week following their absence. If the child completes this homework and turns it in the week after their return to class, the absence is erased.
- Before your child can enter into their Sacramental Preparation Year, they will need to complete one year of Faith Formation or Catholic School.
- Please note that the Year of Faith Formation or Catholic School needs to be the prior school year without any gaps in formation.
- Children in Grades 1-7 are eligible to start the first year of formation and be a part of Sacrament Prep in the following year.
4. For the 2024-2025 School Year, your child will need to be enrolled in 2 programs
- The Sacramental Preparation Program is a SEPARATE program from Faith Formation. Therefore, during your child’s Sacramental Preparation Year, they will need to be registered for Faith Formation AND Sacramental Preparation or enrolled in Catholic School AND registered for Sacramental Preparation.
5. Your child has a relationship with Jesus, and desires to receive Him sacramentally in the Eucharist.
6. Your child understands sin and desires God’s forgiveness and mercy in the sacrament of Reconciliation
Is your family ready?
Can you say YES to the following? Or are you committed to saying YES?
1. Do you attend Holy Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation?
- “The obligation to attend Mass every Sunday is one of the precepts of the Church, requiring the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers together on the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord.”(CCC 2042). By participating in Mass on Sundays, Catholics express their common identity as members of the Body of Christ, witness to their faith, and strengthen themselves and one another in the communal celebration of the Eucharist.
2. Does your family go to sacramental Confession at least once a year? (Applies to those in your family who have already received their First Reconciliation)
- The second precept of the Church, “You shall confess your sins at least once a year,” ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness.
3. Do you pray regularly at home?
- “Prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with his Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit.” – CCC 2565
- In addition, your child will need to have memorized the common prayers of our faith including The Our Father, The Hail Mary, The Glory Be, and The Sign of the Cross. If you haven’t already, please pray with your children and teach them how to pray those beautiful prayers along with the Guardian Angel prayer and Blessing before Meals.
4. Are you able to attend the Monthly Family Sessions alongside Weekly Faith Formation and lead your child in the First Communion Lessons at home?
- Attendance is of the utmost importance. This is a banner year for your child’s faith, and the first sacraments your child receives without you holding them in their arms or making the promises for them. Let this be your priority this year, your gift, placing great importance to walk your child through preparation. Give them the strong base to stand on that will be carried with them for many years to come. Choose to do this year well.
5. Can the parent and child understand the content presented in the family sessions?
- Our Family Sessions are only offered in ENGLISH. The parent and child must be able to attend and understand the content presented in these family sessions to complete the program. Please consider this before registering your child at St Anthony.
If you answered “No” to any question above, then let’s devise together the best way forward that meets the needs of your family! Jesus Christ desires to be in communion with you. Please contact Leslie or Diane to set up a phone or in-person appointment.
