First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion

To help your child enter into this special moment with understanding and reverence, we offer a dedicated preparation program that includes sessions for both children and parents. We look forward to walking this grace-filled journey with your family!

Please Note: Registration is now closed for the 2025-2026 year.

For questions, contact the Coordinator for Sacramental Preparation: Beth Supple at
 [email protected].

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First Steps Before You Register

• Become a member of our parish, please visit this link to fill out our registration form by visiting the Become a Member page.
  
  
• Find a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate or contact their church of baptism for a copy of the certificate now. This is only necessary if your child was baptized somewhere other than Holy Family. 
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• Begin working on prayers – especially learning the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. These prayers are often given to young children to pray for their penance after Reconciliation.

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Session Information & Registration Fees

New this year: Second grade will be combined into one session that includes First Sacraments Preparation & Faith Formation. If you have children in other age groups, visit the Children's Faith Formation page for more information and to register.​

Sessions start date: September 21 & 22, 2025 

​We offer Sunday morning and Monday afternoon sessions:
Sundays 9:00-10:00 am
Sundays 10:30-11:30 am
​Mondays 4:45-5:45 pm

Registration Fees*:
• $200 (Includes Faith Formation & Sacrament Prep)
• $100 Catholic School Student (Sacrament Prep Only)
• $100 Children 3rd-8th Grade (Faith Formation & Catching-Up on Sacraments)

*These amount cover the cost of supplies, retreats, gathering meetings, and the costs associated with both sacraments (Reconciliation and First Holy Communion & Faith Formation). However, if your family is experiencing financial hardship, please contact us ASAP to set up a payment plan.

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Attention Parents!
​Visit Our First Sacraments Communication Center

On this mini website you will find all the resources, schedules and dates for the First Sacraments Program. Click the button below!

Sacraments Communications Center

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​First Sacraments: A Journey of Faith

At Holy Family, preparing for the First Sacraments is a deeply meaningful time in the life of a child and their family. This special year is an opportunity to grow in faith, learn more about God’s love, and take important steps in the lifelong journey of Catholic discipleship.

What Are the First Sacraments?
The First Sacraments typically refer to two key moments in a child's spiritual development:

• First Reconciliation (Confession)
• First Holy Communion (Eucharist)

These sacraments are usually celebrated by children in second grade or around the age of seven, after they’ve reached the “age of reason.” They mark the beginning of a deeper participation in the life of the Church.​

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First Reconciliation

First Reconciliation is the first time a child receives the Sacrament of Penance, also known as Confession. Through this sacrament, children learn about God’s mercy and forgiveness. They are taught to examine their conscience, express sorrow for their sins, and experience the healing grace of God through the words of absolution.

What to Expect:

• Preparation begins in the fall and is required before First Communion.
• Children will attend a mix of catechist-led sessions, work on parent-led activities at home, and attend a gathering meeting and retreat with a parent or guardian. These meetings teach the meaning of sin, forgiveness, and the steps of a good confession.
• First Reconciliation will be held prior to First Eucharist, usually during Advent.

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​First Holy Communion 

First Holy Communion is the moment when a child receives the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. This sacrament is the source and summit of our Catholic faith, uniting us more closely with Jesus and the Church community.

What to Expect:

• Preparation begins after First Reconciliation.
• Children learn about the Mass, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and the importance of reverence, thanksgiving, and living their faith.
• First Holy Communion is typically celebrated during the Easter season, often in a special Mass but also alongside regular Masses.

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​Family Involvement

Families play a vital role in preparing their children for the sacraments. Our program is designed to involve parents and guardians every step of the way.

Please save the date for the required Parent Meeting on September 28, at 10 am, in Unity Hall.

Family Participation Includes:

• Attending parent meetings and workshops
• Assisting with home-based activities and discussions
• Participating in Mass regularly as a family
• Supporting their child’s prayer life and understanding of the sacraments

We believe that sacramental preparation is not just a program—it's a shared faith experience. When parents walk with their children during this sacred time, it deepens the faith of the entire family.

​We look forward to walking with your family during this special time!