“Having become a child of God clothed with the wedding garment, the neophyte is admitted ‘to the marriage supper of the Lamb’ and receives the food of the new life, the body and blood of Christ.”

 “Jesus welcomes you to His ‘banquet’ and gives you His Body and Blood for the new life of God.” (CCC 1244)



Preparing Your Child for First Reconciliation

First Reconciliation and First Communion are important steps in your child’s journey with Jesus.

In Reconciliation, children are guided to prepare through and examinatin of conscience made in the light of God's Word, and through confession are opened again to God and the communion of the Church.

Preparing Your Child for First Holy Communion

In the Eucharist, Jesus gives himself to us a "true food" and "true drink", so that we may live in him and he in us. The Church teaches that The Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life"

Children prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first time either through our Catholic school, through Catholic Faith Enrichment (FE) program or through the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC) program. 

For information on these programs please contact our Parish Office and speak with our Director of Faith Formation, Jo Anna Bannister or email jbannister@sjnok.org.

Children prepare for these sacraments during their second grade year. They must be enrolled in a parish school or faith formation class. Attendance is also required at other meetings and retreats throughout the year. 

Registration is required for all, regardless of where they attend formation class. 

About this Ministry:

• Preparation typically occurs in second grade and includes First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
• Students meet weekly, on Sunday or Wednesday, through parish Faith Formation classes or through the curriculum at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School (if attending.)
• Two Required Retreats:
• First Reconciliation Retreat: September 19, 2026 | 9-11:30 am
• First Holy Communion Retreat: January 30, 2027 | 9-11:30 am
• First Holy Communion Mass:
• Sunday, May 2, 2027 at 2 pm
  
• fulfills Sunday obligation