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.)

   St. John's requirse that each child be enrolled in a relgious education program two years prior to receiving the sacraments of First Reconciliation and Frst Communion within the Diocese of Rockford mandate. It is very important for children to understand the meaning of the sacrament, how the sacrament unites us to Christ wholly, and to the community of the Catholic Church before recieving the sacraments. 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 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.

  6. Must be a registered and actively practicing parish family of St. John the Baptist, or registered to a local parish in the Diocese of Rockford, IL. 
 

First Reconciliation/ First Communion Important Dates

2024- 2025 First Communion Prep Year #2 

First Communion Parent Meeting
Monday, October 7, 2024 6:00pm-7:00pm in the Church
Parent meeting- students do not have to attend this meeting 

Dedication Mass for First Communicants
Sunday, October 20, 2024 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 be taken at the end of Mass.

Banners & Breakfast 
Saturday, March 1, 2025 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, April 5, 2025 at 9:30am-1:00pm (Parish Hall/School Gym)
Students should wear something nice to make their Reconciliation in. We will be going to the church to receive a sacrament. At 12 noon students will go over to the church to make First Reconciliation. Parents should meet us in the church by 12noon. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to make reconciliation after all students have finished. Students/families will depart from the church. Please allow up to one hour for confessions.

First Communion Rehearsal
 Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Church
Readers should arrive by 6:00pm to practice reading/speaking/singing parts.

TENTATIVE First Communion Mass at St. John the Baptist
 Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00am (subject to change)

If you have any further questions, please contact DRE in the parish office at 815-385-1477 ext. 201.