The beautiful child that you brought into the world, named and carried to the Church for baptism, is now ready to make another step in his or her sacramental life. They have reached the time to begin the  preparation for their First Holy Communion.

The Archdiocesan Guidelines requires a consecutive two (2) year process to receive First Reconciliation and First Communion.  This process begins when you enroll your child/youth in the Religious Education Program (1st Grade and above.)  The first year of study helps the children/youth come to a deeper personal knowledge of Jesus.  They learn that Jesus teaches us about God’s love for us and how we can respond to that love.  The second year of the process continues these themes and provides the children/youth with a growing sense of their Catholic identity.

For questions or more information, please contact the Faith Formation Office:
rachelle@stannesouthborough.org

2023/2024 Class Information
In preparation for receiving First Reconciliation and First Communion sacraments, candidates will attend:

• 16 one-hour Sunday morning classes starting at 9:30 a.m.
• 1 special Inscription Mass in November
• 1 one-hour parent meeting in January in preparation for First Reconciliation
• 1 two-hour student/parent retreat in April in preparation for receiving First Communion

Classes begin in September and meet twice monthly in preparation for a spring First Communion date.  During these classes, students will also prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in January as part of this year of Sacramental Preparation. 

2023/2024 Registration
Is your child ready to begin First Communion preparation?  
It is a diocesan requirement that any student requesting the Sacrament of First Reconciliation/First Communion (FR/FC) attends 1 year of religious education before attending a Sacramental preparation course.  If your child has attended at least 1 year of religious education classes and seeks the Sacrament of First Reconciliation/First Communion, they will be placed in the Grade 2+ RE (with First Reconciliation and First Communion Sacramental Prep) class.

**Please note:  those students in Grade 2 who have not yet completed a first year of RE study (Grade 1 RE) will need to speak with the Director of Religious Education (Rachelle Carmony) about appropriate placement.  They will be eligible to prepare for First Communion after the completion of that first year of study starting in Fall 2023.

Registration/Payment note:  if your child is receiving First Communion (FC) in Spring 2023, they will be scheduled for class 2x/month.  The $65 RE class fee still applies, but there is an additional First Communion Sacramental Prep fee.