Each spring, after Easter, students from grades 2nd through 6thcelebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist (First Communion). At St. Francis we don’t have one separate First Eucharist Mass. Instead we have several First Communicants at each of the regularly scheduled Masses. This makes it more special for each family as they are welcomed into the Church community, and places the focus on the Sacrament, the Eucharist.

It is the policy here for students to be in their second year of faith formation before they begin Sacramental preparation. There is no set age for which a child must receive his or her First Eucharist. The earliest they are allowed to receive it is at the age of 7, unless there are extenuating circumstances. There are many children who celebrate at an older age, after they have learned more about their faith. During a child’s second year of regular faith formation, once they are in at least second grade, we at St. Francis begin a home-based Sacramental preparation program, and invite the parents to a one hour orientation meeting where they will receive the materials necessary to work as a family to prepare their child or children for the Sacraments. The first meeting in the fall will be for preparation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Later in the year the parents will have another meeting to receive preparation materials for the Sacrament of First Eucharist. In addition to these two parent meetings, the students are required to attend their regular faith formation classes, attend a family interview with one of the staff, and attend a ½ day retreat/workshop in the spring with one or both of their parents. A copy of the child’s baptism certificate is also required.

If you have any questions or need more information please don’t hesitate to contact Clair McCormick or contact Linda Baksic.