According to the Policies for the Administration of the Sacraments from Bishop Salvatore Matano (#2.2), “Ordinarily, candidates for First Penance and First Eucharist have participated
 in regular religious education or attended Catholic schools for the year preceding enrollment for preparation for First Eucharist. In other words, these children were part of a formal first-grade faith formation experience.
 Candidates for First Eucharist will have made sacramental confession before receiving this Sacrament in accordance with canon 914 of the Code of Canon Law. Candidates are to have the use of reason, which is canonically presumed at age seven.”
 

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

As Catholics, we are obligated to attend weekly Mass and all Holy Days of Obligation. Candidates who desire to receive the Holy Eucharist are expected to meet these obligations. 

St. John's candidates prepare to receive the Blessed Sacrament for the first time by attending a series of catechetical sessions with their parent(s) in the Spring. Together they complete lessons using age-appropriate materials provided by the parish and are assigned enrichment activities for the family to do together after they attend each weekend Mass.
 

CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT 

St. John's parish is delighted to welcome candidates as they take another step towards becoming fully initiated in the Faith! First Communions are celebrated amongst family and friends at a regulary scheduled Mass. Candidates may choose to receive Jesus in the Eucharist during our
First Communion Weekend (June 14 + 15, 2025) or at another regularly scheduled weekend Mass. Families are encouraged to make their choice known to the Faith Formation Coordinator, Julie Bailey, as soon as possible so that celebrations can be scheduled in advance.

If you have questions about your child’s readiness to receive Holy Communion
 or would like more information about our preparation classes,
 please contact Julie Bailey at [email protected] or (585) 352-5481.