Children entering 2nd grade at Saint Joseph Catholic Church are eligible to begin the preparation process for the reception of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. These lifelong sacraments strengthen our relationship with Christ through the gift of forgiveness and mercy in Reconciliation and offer spiritual nourishment each time we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Preparation for the sacrament is open to registered parishioners and is administered through the parish following the Archdiocesan guidelines. Your child’s proof of Baptism will be required. Those who are registered at other parishes are encouraged to receive the sacraments at their parish as a way of strengthening their relationship with their parish community.
Parents who are presenting their child for First Holy Communion are expected to bring their child to Mass every Sunday, assist with the Children’s Sunday Mass Journal, and attend the meditation nights with their children. In addition to the meditation nights, children will receive formation through CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd). Children enrolled at Saint Joseph Catholic School will participate in CGS as a part of their school day and receive additional formation in their classrooms. All other children can register for CGS sessions through the Faith Formation Office. Contact Jenny at 651.457.8841. If you are new to life with us at Saint Joseph, we ask that you have at least one year of formation prior to joining our First Sacrament preparation process.
REQUIRED DATES:
October 21, 2025 - First Reconciliation Parent Meeting, 7:00 to 8:30pm
November 10, 2025 - Parent & Child Meditation I, 6:30 to 7:45pm
January 12, 2026 - Parent & Child Meditation II, 6:30 to 7:45pm
January 22, 2026 - Parent & Child Meditation III, 6:30 to 7:45pm
January 24, 2026 - First Reconciliation Retreat & Sacrament, 9:00 to 11:30am
February 10, 2026 - First Holy Communion Parent Meeting, 7:00 to 8:30pm
March 2, 2026 - Parent & Child Meditation IV, 6:30 to 7:45pm
OPTION A:
April 14, 2026 - First Communion Rehearsal I, 6:30 to 7:45pm
April 19, 2026 - First Communion Weekend I, 9:00am & 11:00am Masses
OPTION B:
April 21, 2026 - First Communion Rehearsal II, 6:30 to 7:45pm
April 26, 2026 - First Communion Weekend II, 9:00am & 11:00am Masses