In order to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion, the child must first be baptized. (For children needing baptism, please see the Baptism page under the Sacraments tab up above.)
The Diocese of Rockford has a minimum standard of two years preparation work for the Sacraments of Reconcilation and First Communion. It is very important for our children to understand the meaning of the sacrament and how the sacrament unites us in the community of the Catholic Church. Parents are the first and primary educators of the faith. Children learn from their parents faithful example and their faithful habits!
Readiness for the sacrament is determined by the following:
1. An age appropriate understanding of the sacrament.
2. Attending and participating in Mass on a weekly basis.If your family has no intentions to attend Mass now or in the future, please prayerfully consider the actual need to receive the sacrament at this time and speak with Father Jacek. The sacraments are nurtured through receiving graces from the Mass and continual growth of the faith is passed on through spiritual enlightenment of being present in the Mass.
3. A basic awareness and growing understanding of who Jesus is and the faith of the Catholic Church, the Eucharist, the Last Supper, the 7 sacraments, Jesus' miracles, the importance of going to Mass, etc.
4. Memorization of prayers: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and the Act of Contrition (tradional).
5. Completion of First Reconciliation sacrament and First Communion Retreat.
2021-2022
First Reconciliation/ First Communion Important Dates
Dedication Mass for First Communicants
Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 11:00am Mass
Please dress in your Sunday best and head over to the 11am Mass! We will pray for students,
Father will bless students, and give them a small gift at Mass.
* A group photo will most likely be taken at the end of Mass.
First Communion Parent Meeting
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 6:30pm-7:30pm
Scheduled in person to meet in Parish Hall/ School Gym
Banners & Breakfast
Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 9:00am-11:00am (Parish Hall/School Gym)
Come make a First Communion banner and have some breakfast! More details to follow.
First Communion Retreat & Reconciliation
Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 10:00am-12:00pm (Parish Hall/School Gym)
Students should wear something nice to make their Reconciliation in. We will be going to the church, and students will be receiving a sacrament in the church.
At 12 noon students will go over to the church to make First Reconciliation. Parents, please meet in the church at 12noon. Parents are encouraged to make reconciliation after all students have finished. Students will depart from church.
*If for reasons out of our control we cannot meet in-person, a virtual retreat will take place on this day at this time. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be rescheduled for another day and time.
First Communion Rehearsal
Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 6:30pm in the Church
Readers should arrive by 6:00pm to practice reading/speaking parts.
First Communion Mass at St. John the Baptist
Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 10:00am
*With the unpredictability of COVID-19, this information could be subject to change closer to the sacrament date. I want to thank you in advance for your patience, understanding, and cooperation during this time.