Here at SSCM, 1st and 2nd grade are the two years of preparation for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation. There is a 2-year requirement when it comes to receiving the sacraments (with an 80% attendance rate in Faith Formation on Wednesdays and First Communion/Reconciliation classes on Sundays) to ensure your child is receiving the fullest preparation possible when it comes to receiving the sacraments.

The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, the Lord’s own sacrifice. In the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church namely, Christ himself. It is communion in the divine life. It is the culmination both of God’s action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship offered to Christ. It is the sum and summary of our faith. 

Any baptized Catholic child who has reached the age of reason (7 years of age and attended religious education classes in the first grade and is now in the second grade) is eligible to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist, usually referred to as First Communion.

Requirements:

• If your family is not yet registered with SSCM, we invite you to fill out the Parish Registration form.
• Initial Meeting with the Director of Faith Formation, Miriam Morales
• Year 1 - Enroll in Faith Formation classes on Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm
• Year 2 - Remain in Faith Formation & Enroll in 1st Communion classes on Sundays 9:00-10:00am
• Parents will be required to attend parent sessions (will be on calendar)
• Baptismal certificate - proof that the child was baptized in the Catholic Church

"Jesus came and stood before them… then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit, if you forgive men’s sins, they are forgiven them, if you hold them bound, they are held bound.”  - John 20:22,23

The Sacrament consists of four parts:

1. The examination of conscience
2. The confessing of sins to the priest
3. The absolution and contrition
4. The completion of the penance given by the priest

"Regular participation in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and the confession of venial sins helps us to form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ, and progress in the life of the Spirit” (CCC 1458).