First Communion

For Baptized Catholic Children Age Seven and Older

In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus Christ gives us His own Body and Blood and draws us more deeply into communion with Himself and His Church. Before receiving Holy Communion for the first time, children are also prepared to encounter His mercy in the Sacrament of Penance.
Preparation for these sacraments includes regular Catholic faith formation, participation in Sunday Mass, formation within the family, and additional preparation specifically directed toward First Penance and First Holy Communion.

At a Glance

Who: Baptized Catholic children ordinarily age seven—Grade 2—or older. Age or grade level alone does not make a child eligible to begin immediate preparation.
Eligibility for First Communion in 2027: Children must have completed at least one full year of regular, age-appropriate Catholic formation during the 2025–2026 formation year. This requirement may be satisfied through full participation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Catechism Club, Homeschool Formation, or Holy Family Parish School—or through demonstrated consistent participation in Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
Children must be enrolled in and attending one of the parish family’s four current formation pathways throughout the 2026–2027 sacramental-preparation year.
Preparation: Regular faith formation together with additional preparation specifically directed toward the sacraments.

Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation

Faith formation and sacramental preparation go hand-in-hand, but they are not identical. Children preparing for First Holy Communion continue during the sacramental-preparation year in one of the parish family’s four current formation pathways:

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechism Club
Homeschool Formation
Holy Family Parish School

Each pathway provides the child’s regular Catholic formation. Additional preparation specifically directed toward First Penance and First Holy Communion is provided according to the child’s formation pathway. The schedule and particular requirements may therefore differ according to the pathway selected. Parents should consult the appropriate formation page for those details.

learn more about children's faith formation

First Penance

In the Sacrament of Penance, Jesus Christ forgives sins committed after Baptism and reconciles us with God and His Church. Children are prepared to:

recognize the difference between an accident, a mistake, and a freely chosen sin;
examine their conscience;
express sorrow for sin;
trust in God’s mercy;
make an individual confession;
receive absolution; and
complete the penance given by the priest.

Children celebrate First Penance before receiving First Holy Communion. Parents are encouraged to receive the sacrament themselves and to help make reconciliation a continuing part of Catholic family life.

First Holy Communion

Children preparing for First Holy Communion learn, according to their age and ability:

the principal parts of the Mass;
that the Eucharist makes present the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ;
that Jesus is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine;
that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ, not ordinary food;
how to receive Holy Communion reverently; and
the importance of faithful participation in Sunday Mass.

What Families Should Know

Parents remain the first and most important teachers of their children in faith. The parish assists parents in this responsibility but cannot replace the Catholic life practiced within the home. Families preparing for First Sacraments are expected to:

participate faithfully in Sunday Mass;
maintain regular attendance in the child’s formation pathway;
participate in the required sacramental preparation;
complete assigned prayer and formation at home;
provide any required sacramental records; and
communicate with parish staff regarding absences or special circumstances.

Readiness is not determined by grade alone. Children should demonstrate an age-appropriate understanding of Penance and the Eucharist and freely desire to receive these sacraments.

How to Begin

When registering for Faith Formation, indicate that your child is interested in preparing for First Penance and First Holy Communion.

Families whose children are enrolled at Holy Family Parish School must also identify their interest in First Sacraments; school enrollment does not automatically begin the sacramental-preparation process.

We will review your child’s registration information and contact you with the next steps and the requirements particular to the child’s formation pathway.

children's faith formation page

Questions or Placement Assistance

Please contact us if your child:

is age seven or older and has not been baptized;
was baptized in another Christian community;
is substantially older than the ordinary First Communion age;
has received little or no previous Catholic formation;
has learning, developmental, or physical needs; or
belongs to another Catholic parish.

Wherever your family is beginning, we would be happy to help determine the appropriate next step for your child.

Contact: Julie Klinkenberg
email: juliek@hfkparish.org
phone: 425-822-0295