First Reconciliation & First Communion
Preparing for a child’s first reception of the sacraments is a very special time. We hope this will be a joyful and spiritually enriching experience for your family.
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion is a two year process with the sacraments being received in the second year.
A Special Message from Ms. Katie about Receiving the Eucharist
Prerequisites for Sacramental Preparation
- Baptism (a copy of the Baptismal certificate is required).
- Completion of a full year of faith formation the year immediately prior to sacramental preparation.
- Children are not eligible to receive these sacraments before second grade.
The Sacramental Preparation Process
- Children enroll in a faith formation class at the same grade level they are in school. Our faith formation program invites children to grow in relationship with Jesus as well as learn about our Catholic faith. Click here to learn more about registration.
- Eligible children will also participate in separate sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Sacramental preparation is in addition to the basal faith formation program.
- Once enrolled in faith formation and sacramental preparation, families will receive information about required meetings and formation for each sacrament. As the primary catechists of their children, families will be active in their children’s formation by completing a provided home curriculum.
- Thanks to your faithful stewardship, a specific fee is not charged for enrollment in faith formation or sacramental preparation. In lieu of paying a separate faith formation fee, we ask that you give to the parish offertory. This can be a recurring or a one time donation. You may use your envelopes or give online. Click here to give to the parish offertory online.
Children in Catholic Schools
St. Andrew parishioners who attend Catholic school receive their regular faith formation at school. Please contact Katie Fortunato, Director of Elementary Faith Formation, 919-362-0685 x125 or email elemfaith@saintandrew.org to discuss preparation for and reception of First Reconciliation and First Communion.
Older Children
- If your child has not been baptized, please contact Katie Fortunato, Director of Elementary Faith Formation, 919-362-0685 x125 or email .
- Elementary school aged children will follow the standard two year preparation process and be enrolled in the same grade of faith formation as they are enrolled at school. The sacraments will be received in their second year of faith formation. Because we want our children to be well formed in the faith and have time to develop a relationship with Jesus, there is not an accelerated program for formation or sacramental preparation.
- Children who are middle school age or older will develop a preparation plan with our Assistant Youth Minister, Donna Shinn, 919-362-0685 x123 or .
Children with Special Needs
Children of all abilities are welcome in our faith formation and sacramental preparation programs. We recognize that some children may benefit from a modified environment with more individual support. Contact Katie Fortunato, Director of Elementary Faith Formation, 919-362-0685 x125 or email with any questions.
Preparation Resources
First Sacrament Prayers
Children are asked to learn the basic prayers of the Rosary and an Act of Contrition as part of the sacramental preparation process.
First Communion Banner Instructions
First Communicants create a banner as a special commemoration of their First Communion day.
Calendar of Sacramental Preparation Meetings and Liturgies
Contact
Katie Fortunato, Director of Elementary Faith Formation, 919-362-0685 x125 or email