Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

The sacrament of Reconciliation is also known as Penance and Confession, among other names. For Catholics, the sacrament of reconciliation is a most natural way to celebrate God’s reconciliation. This is a supernatural virtue by which we are moved to detest our sins from a motive made known by faith, and with an accompanying purpose of offending God no more and of making satisfaction for our sins. In this sense the word “penance” is synonymous with “penitence” or “repentance.”

The Sacrament of Holy Communion, also known as Eucharist, is a sacred occasion for all Catholics. During the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians receive and eat the body and blood of Christ Jesus, and they enter into unity with Christ and the Church. The Church encourages all its members, in a state of grace, to partake of Holy Communion weekly at the Sunday Mass.

 

Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is offered annually for children in 2nd grade and older. Students enrolled at the parish school (St. John Fisher) will prepare in their second grade class. Students attending local public schools are asked to enroll in faith formation class via the parish office.

• Enrollment begins Fall, please see bulletin or website in September for more info.
• Children older than 2nd grade who wish to complete either sacrament are welcome to prepare and receive reconciliation and/or first Holy Communion at any time. Preparation will include individual lessons with sacrament coordinator.
• Cost is $50/student

Students who wish to complete their sacrament prep for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation are also asked to fill out the Sacrament Preparation Supplemental Form.

For more information, contact:
Darlene Sheridan
Coordinator of Faith Formation & Sacrament Preparation
[email protected]

September 2024

Greetings 2^nd grade families, 

Blessings on this new school year! This letter is to inform you about sacrament preparation for your child as she/he prepares for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. As part of the religion curriculum at SJF, 2^nd grade teacher, Deidre Pribula, will well-prepare your student for the sacraments. If you don’t go to St. John Fisher Grade School, you are welcome to attend classes to prepare for the sacraments through Sunday morning classes with Pedro Alzaga at 9am.  As a part of this process, we ask that all parents and students also participate in a brief preparation meeting, as to model the importance of family and community in readying for these most holy sacraments. Please note that only one parent needs to be present per meeting. This is meant to be a joyful and hopefully enlightening process wherein you can refresh your own knowledge of the catechism, learn new ways to support your child’s growing faith, engage your child in a conversation of faith, and grow in community with other parents to exchange support and wisdom. I know some of you have already attended this meeting with older children. In an effort to ensure each child’s sacrament journey is filled with support and encouragement, we ask you to attend this year’s meeting also. 

 To help keep records up to date, we ask families to register with the parish if you intend these sacraments for your child. Please contact the parish at 503-244-4945 or email [email protected].

I look forward to working with all of you! For those who like marking their calendar, April 27th is slated for First Holy Communion and please do not hesitate to reach out in the interim with questions. I work part time at the parish, so please allow 1-2 business days for an email reply.  

[email protected]

Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Communion

 Family Preparation

Important Dates

• Time: 12:15-1:30
• Who: Parents & Students
• Where: Corrado Family Center 
• What: Overview of reconciliation, reflection and what to expect

• Monday, Dec. 16th – Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
  • Time:  6:00-7:30 pm
  • Who: one parent, students
  • Where: SJF church 
  • What: Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation 

• Sunday, March 9th – Parent/student meeting for First Communion
  • Time:  12:15-1:30 pm
  • Who: Parent/student 
  • Where: SJF parish hall
  • What: prepare for First Communion

• Sunday, April 13th-12:15-1:30-Banner making and questions

                                Who: Parent/Student          

              Where: Corrado Center

              What to Bring: Glue Gun if you have one

•       Sunday, April 27th- First Communion Mass

                      Time: Mass starts at 2, please arrive at 1:00 for pictures          

                      Who: Family, Friends, Students

                      Where: SJF church