First Eucharist

The heart of Catholic worship is the Eucharist: it is the source of grace, and the summit of the Church’s action – offering bread and wine, symbols of ourselves, to be transformed into the living Body and Blood of Christ. When Eucharist is received, the person is further transformed into the hands and feet of Christ in the world. The Eucharist is an awesome mystery and privilege!

Preparation for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation

At St. Mary’s preparation for the Sacraments of the Eucharist (First Communion) and Reconciliation is family preparation, meaning children and parents attend all sessions together. Why the family involvement? The Church teaches that the family is the first and most important teacher in the formation of a child. When parents present their children for Baptism, they promise “to bring [their children] up in the practice of the faith” (Rite of Baptism of Children 56).

  • The registration deadline for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation is Wednesday, November 11, 2024.
  • Preparation for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation begins on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
  • The celebration of First Reconciliation is Saturday, March 1, 2025.
  • The celebration of the First Eucharist is May 3/4, 2025, at 5 pm, 11 am, or 2 pm Mass.

Prerequisites

All candidates for the celebration of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist must have at least one full year of faith formation prior to and including the year of preparation in either a Catholic school or Catholic Faith Formation program. For example, a child must have been enrolled in faith formation or a Catholic school in first grade and then continue in second grade in order to prepare for the Sacraments while in second grade.

To Register 

Complete and return the following:

  • Sacraments Registration Form 2025
  • Provide a newly issued Baptism certificate if the child was not baptized at St. Mary’s.
  • Include a $40 program fee. Fees can be paid online. Enter “First Eucharist” in the other payments comments.

The First Eucharist and Reconciliation Calendar 2025 provides information on preparation class dates and Masses.