First Holy Eucharist and Penance (First Sacraments)

Helping our children to know and grow with Christ, especially through the Sacraments, is the mission of our Sacramental Preparation program.

 We partner with parents in preparing the minds and hearts of our children to receive the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, both which are ways Christ fulfills HIS promise to remain with us. Every time we go to Reconciliation and receive God’s forgiveness, He is with us.  Every time we go to mass and receive Jesus in the Eucharist, He is with us in a miraculous way.

Celebrating the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time is typically celebrated in the second grade (special arrangements are made for older children to receive this sacrament). In the Diocese of Pittsburgh, children are required to attend Catholic faith formation classes or Catholic School for a minimum of two consecutive years in preparation for First Sacraments.

 Formal preparation begins in second grade. First Reconciliation will be celebrated during Lent and we will welcome our students to receive the Blessed Sacrament at the Altar of our Lord during the Easter season. We expect children to attend weekly Faith Formation or Catholic School, and join us for  special preparation sessions/retreats throughout the year. 

• Parent(s)/Guardians of candidates for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist will receive information regarding a Parent/Guardian/Student Orientation Meeting  being new fall dates coming soon.  Easter will be celebrated on April 20th 2025  and our celebrations of First Holy Communion will begin after our celebration of Easter.   A student/parent Retreat opportunity will be offered in early April to help our children do their final preparation for the sacrament.  All families are expected to participate in these events.

• Parent(s)/Guardians of Confirmation Candidates in the 8th Grade will receive information regarding their special Confirmation Orientation  
• During the 9th Grade Year, students complete their final/immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Instead of attending a weekly faith formation class, the year will focus on integrating faith and life. This will not be time-intensive or demanding on their schedule, but rather help them to form their prayer lives and live out their faith in every aspect of their life. Examples of things they can expect for the year include:
  • Incorporating prayer into their daily lives
  • Growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church
  • Getting involved in parish life as their schedule allows
  • Learning more about their own unique gifts that God has given them
  • Getting involved in various service projects in the community as their schedule allows
  • Learning about the Sacrament of Confirmation and choosing their sponsor
  • A "pizza box" project to help them choose a Confirmation saint and learn about them
  • Occasional "faith chats" so we can check in on the spiritual health of our young people and walk with them towards Jesus
• Rite of Enrollment - dates coming soon
• Confirmation Retreat - dates coming soon 

Confirmation Registration Form