Preparations for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion begin in the family. Please attend Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days with your children to establish a firm foundation. Attending Mass (in person) every Sunday and on Holy Days is one of the “precepts of the Church” (minimum requirements to be considered a practicing Catholic).
Our Faith Formation team provides weekly instruction beginning in the first grade. If not enrolled at All Saints Academy, children should attend these classes in all grades for first through eighth grade.
Besides weekly classroom preparation, students and their parents should attend scheduled meetings and retreats. These events provide additional formation for your child so they are fully prepared to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
Parent meetings for First Holy Communion take place during Sunday evening classes for children attending public school, as well as those children from St. Just parish registered at All Saints Academy (ASA).
Requirements for the Reception of First Communion & Reconciliation
- Children must attend weekly Faith Formation classes or attend All Saints Academy.
- Children must be at least 7 years old and have reached the age of reason.
- Children must attend Sunday Mass weekly.
- Parental involvement at home, attendance at meetings and scheduled special events are essential and expected.
- Readiness for the reception of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist will be determined by the parents, elementary coordinator and Pastor.
Required Documents
Complete the Sacrament Registration Form.
Baptismal Certificate. If your child was not baptized at St. Jude, parents must provide a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate to Mary Ellen in the parish office. Please contact her with any questions at mboruta@stjudes.net.
Checklists
As the faith formation year progresses, please use these checklists to make sure your child is prepared for their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Preparing at Home
October
Parents:
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession – Session 1 “Where Are You?”
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven, Episode 1
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven, Episode 2
November
Parents:
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession – Session 2 “An Encounter With Mercy”
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession – Session 3 “Embraced in Mercy: The Rite Explained”
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven, Episode 3
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven, Episode 4
December
Parents:
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession – Biblical Foundations
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession – Answering Common Questions about Confession
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven, Episode 5
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven, Episode 6
January
Parents:
Children:
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession – For Children: How to Make a Great Confession
February
Parents:
Presence for Parents: Preparing Your Child for First Holy Communion
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist, Episode 1
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved, Episode 1
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved, Episode 2
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved, Episode 3
March
Parents:
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist, Episode 2
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved, Episode 4
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved, Episode 5
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved, Episode 6
April
Parents:
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist, Episode 3
Watch Again – Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession – For Parents: Preparing Your Child for First Confession
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved, Episode 7
Presence for Children: The Miracle at Every Mass
Watch Again – Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession – For Children: How to Make a Great Confession