First Communion – Preparation for young children

The St. John Fisher 1st Communion Preparation process supports parents in their role as primary educators in their child’s faith formation. This process is based on a holistic approach that includes prayer, encounter, fun, reflection, accompaniment, compassion, kindness, creativity, community, instruction, events, and outreach to the poor to allow the Lord to deepen our faith within the Catholic Tradition. First Communion preparation starts as early as 1st grade. All children over the age of 7 may prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist if they are baptized in the Catholic Church. Please contact the Director of Religious Education to find out what the next step would be if a child has not been baptized in the Catholic Church.

This is a family-centered two-year process. During the first year of the 1st Communion preparation process, parents are expected to provide proof of their child’s Baptism, complete a family meeting with the DRE, and complete a volunteer opportunity.

During the second year of the 1st Communion preparation process, parents are expected to attend four classes to help them prepare their child for the Sacraments, attend two retreats with their child, complete spiritual activities at home, and complete at least one volunteer opportunity.

Circumstances conflicting with any expectations can be discussed with the DRE to explore possible options

To begin the 1st Communion Preparation process, students must be enrolled either as a student in the SJF Parish School or as a participant in the SJF RE sessions during the school year.

For SJF parish school students to complete registration for the 1st Communion preparation process, please click here: https://stjohnfisher.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/48/responses/new

For non-SJF school students to complete registration to participate in RE sessions, please click here: https://stjohnfisher.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/45/responses/new

Baptism for children in 1st grade and above (For both SJF School students and non SJF school students) is called the Order of Christian Initiation. Children are expected to attend SJF Parish School classes or Religious Education sessions according to their grade level. Families would need to register above and contact the Director of Religious Education to discuss the Christian Initiation process.

 

Contact
Kim St. Romain, Director of Religious Education 310-377-4573 x136 or email