Sacramental Preparation

Sacraments (Reconciliation and First Holy Communion)

First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation are an integral part of the 2nd-grade curriculum. Our sacramental preparation program takes place in the 2nd-grade classroom during regular religion class. There is no need to register for classes through the church.

Students must be baptized in the Catholic Church to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation occurs prior to preparation for Eucharist. Reconciliation takes place in a private ceremony for parents and students in the church on a Saturday morning in January.

Students must be baptized in the Catholic Church and have made First Reconciliation to receive their First Holy Communion. First Holy Communion takes place during a private Saturday morning Mass for our students in the sacramental preparation program at both our school and parish. Students who are not baptized in the Catholic Church may participate in our First Holy Communion Mass. They will receive a blessing in lieu of the host (the consecrated bread).

Baptisms in some non-Catholic Christian churches are recognized by the Catholic Church. Students baptized in a recognized Christian church need to send a copy of the Baptismal certificate from that church to the school. The student will make a Profession of Faith to the pastor, and will then be able to receive the host at First Holy Communion.

Our school program does not include preparation for Baptism. Parents who wish to baptize their child at St. Brendan Church need to contact the church office to coordinate a date and time for the Baptism.

2nd-grade parents who wish to baptize their child in order to participate in Reconciliation and First Holy Communion with fellow 2nd-grade students, need to baptize their children in the Catholic Church by December 31st of the 2nd-grade school year.

Older students baptized in the Catholic Church have the opportunity to prepare for and participate in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion at the parents' request. The Religious Coordinator will arrange a time to instruct the students during the school day.

Students in 3rd through 8th grades visit the church for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the liturgical season of Advent. Students in 2nd through 8th grades visit the church for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the liturgical season of Lent.

Students who have not received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Eucharist and First Reconciliation are given special instruction to prepare them for these sacraments.