After Baptism, the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist continue to nourish and strengthen our relationship with God and the Church.

Before receiving the Eucharist for the first time, we are invited to receive Reconciliation, sometimes called Confession or Penance. This beautiful sacrament is where we experience God’s mercy in a deeply personal way. Through it, we are forgiven by God and also reunited with the Church, which our sins may have harmed.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church says:
“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy… and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church.” (CCC 1422)

After being cleansed and restored through Reconciliation, we’re ready to receive the Eucharist, the true Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic life. It unites us with Jesus and with the Church in a profound way.

“The Eucharist is a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.” (CCC 1323)

Together, these sacraments prepare us to live as faithful, joyful followers of Christ—strengthened by grace and formed in love.

At St. Frances of Rome, we’re honored to help families prepare their children for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion—two deeply meaningful sacraments in a child’s journey of faith.

We’ve provided an overview below to help you see the steps clearly and know what to expect.

This page provides information for those seeking First Holy Communion for children and teens who are currently in, or are entering, elementary and middle school (Grades 1st-8th). If your child is in high school or if you are an adult seeking First Holy Communion, please explore Christian Initiation (OCIA - Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).

How Does the First Communion Preparation Process Work?
We have adopted a hybrid model of preparation that includes sessions at church for children and parents and at home experiences called Family Meetings. This model meets families where they are, allows for greater flexibility, and allows for real sharing as children and families engage and grow together. Most importantly, this model reinforces what the Church has always taught - a child’s faith journey begins at home and parents are the primary teachers of the faith. 

What are the Requirements for this Process?
As a part of the process all families are asked to make the following commitments

• Attend Mass Weekly
• Attend All Sessions at Church
• Finish All Family Meetings at Home
• Submit All Family Follow Throughs
• Attend Retreats as Scheduled
• Pray Together at Home
• Be Active in our Parish Community

What Topics Do We Cover? 
The first year of formation introduces children and parents to the person of Jesus, what it means to have a relationship with Him, and what we believe as Catholics. 

The second year of formation helps children and parents understand what the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are and how they help us to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.  

When Do We Meet for At Church Sessions?
Sessions are every three weeks beginning in September. Children must attend and at least one parent must accompany them to sessions at Church. Sessions will be on Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:30pm for English speaking parents and children and on Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:30pm for Spanish speaking parents and children. 

Please note that regardless of the day children will always be taught in English.