Reconciliation and First Communion

Children generally receive First Reconciliation and First Communion at St. Francis Xavier in Second Grade.  Parents are expected to participate in their child’s preparation for these sacraments by attending formation meetings, sacrament workshops and liturgical celebrations planned throughout the year, as well as by working with their child to complete assignments that are given. Children learn the value of the sacraments long before they begin preparing to receive them.  Be sure your children attend Mass weekly and you take them to Reconciliation regularly, once they have received First Reconciliation.   The diocese requires that children have two consecutive years of religious instruction before receiving the sacraments. Students coming into Religious Education later than the usual time will be required to participate for two years before entering the sacrament program. Once prepared, older students will have a choice of receiving First Communion with the younger children or at another weekend Mass. These arrangements must be made with the Pastor.