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Children in grade 2 and up, having participated in a formal religious education program either with the parish or in their Catholic School curriculum last year and are currently enrolled this year may be eligible to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Registration for preparation of these two first sacraments is still open as we begin these classes in January of 2026. If you are not already registered for the First Sacraments Program, independently of your grade specific religious education, you can do so by clicking the link below through January 1, 2026.
Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing. It helps us to recognize that if we do something wrong, we hurt God and those we love. Through God's great love and mercy, the Sacrament of Reconciliation help us to be once again in right relationship with Jesus.
Eucharist is a Sacrament of Initiation. It is central to our faith and is the source and summit of our Christian life. The reception of a child's first Holy Communion is just the beginning of a lifelong journey in sharing at the table of the Lord and learning about Jesus' great sacrifice because of His unending love for us all.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are typically celebrated in 2nd grade, but older children who have not yet received these sacraments are eligible. Please call the Faith Formation office if your child is in Grade 5 or beyond and needs to celebrate these sacraments. Both sacraments are celebrated in the spring semester.Regular attendance at weekend Mass is essential in
preparing to receive the Body of Christ.
Curriculum: We use Our Sunday Visitor, "Making Things Right", for First Reconciliation and "Called to His Supper" for First Eucharist. This curriculum is perfectly suited to the 2nd and 3rd grade learner. It includes a Parent Guide and worksheets your child can fill in, complete puzzles, and color in pages to aide learning. Bible stories relate Jesus' message of His unending love for each of us.
Parent Meetings/ Parent & Student Gatherings: Preparation for each of these first sacraments is a primarily based, home-study program led by parents with two parent/ student session for each sacrament. A textbook designed for children and support materials will be provided. There is a Parent Introductory meeting for each sacrament. Attendance at the Introductory meeting is mandatory for parents; students are welcomed to attend but not required at that first meeting.
There are 2 Parent/ Student gatherings for each sacrament, gathering in the parish hall as a large group from 6:30-7:30pm in which at least one parent for each child must attend.
First Reconciliation Schedule
First Reconciliation Parent Meeting: Monday January 5, 2026 in the Parish Church 6:30-7:30pm
First Reconciliation Parent & Student Gatherings: *Parents must attend with their children
Thursday January 22 &Thursday February 12, 2026 6:30-7:30 in the Parish Hall
Celebration of First Reconciliation: Updated date: A group First Reconciliation celebration will be held on Tuesday February 24, 2026 6:00-8pm in the Parish Church.
First Holy Communion Schedule
First Eucharist Parent Meeting: Monday March 2, 2026 in the parish church 6:30-7:30pm
First Eucharist Parent & Child Gatherings:*Parents must attend with their children
Monday March 23 & Monday April 13, 2026 from 6:30-7:30 in the Parish Hall
Rehearsal and Celebration of First Holy Communion: Rehearsal will be on Thursday April 23, 2026 in the main church 6:30-7:30pm
The weekend of April 25th and 26th is when your child will be celebrating their First Holy Communion at one of the regular weekend Masses. Scheduling for this will be coming in January.
Our Faith Formation staff is available to assist parents/guardians during any part of your child's faith formation and sacramental preparation process. Call (410) 879-0959 for assistance.
NOTE: Students must register for the sacrament preparation class in addition to a grade-level class on either Sunday morning in-person, through Family Home Ministry, or be enrolled at a Catholic school. Pre-requisite: One year of a Faith Formation class is required before entering the sacrament prep year. -
Contact Us
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cyorkstignatiushickory.orgDirector of Religious Education
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