First Reconciliation and Holy Communion

There is nothing so great as the Eucharist.  If God had something more precious, he would have given it to us.

St. John Vianney

Our First Holy Communion marks the wonderful beginning of sharing at the table of the Lord with the whole Church community.   At Blessed Trinity Parish, preparation for First Holy Communion includes preparing the child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).


All children in grades 2 and above, homeschooled, or attending a Catholic, public, or private school, are welcome to register with Blessed Trinity Parish for our next First Holy Communion sacramental preparation program starting in January 2026.   You will be required to submit a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate.  If you do not have a copy, please contact the parish where your child was baptized.  This parish will be able to give you a copy of the certificate.


Registration for the 2024-2025 First Reconciliation and Holy Communion Sacramental Preparation Program is now closed.

Program Location and At-Home Work for Registered First Communicants

Children in grade 2 at St. Agnes School, Blessed Trinity School, Northmount, and Hawthorn School for Girls will receive their sacramental preparation program in school, during school hours.


All other children will take part in the sacramental preparation program classes at Blessed Trinity Parish.


Homework will be assigned each week and taken up at the next class.  A parent or guardian will need to work with their child to complete the homework.  Supplemental videos and reading materials will also be suggested to help deepen the family's relationship with our Lord.  If it is too difficult for the parent or guardian to work with their child to complete the assigned homework, a working session will be scheduled with a catechist, at the parish, with the parent or guardian and the child.


Program Schedule

The First Reconciliation and Holy Communion Sacramental Preparation Program runs from January, 2025 to May, 2025.


In-school classes will be offered weekly during class time.


Parish-based classes will be held on Saturday mornings commencing January 4th, 2025 through May 17, 2025.  There will be a break in the program for March Break and Easter.  A detailed schedule and your child's Saturday class time will be provided at the Information Session. 


Class duration is 1 hour for children in grades 2 to 4 and 1 hour and a half for children in grade 5 and and up;  your child's class will be scheduled in a timeslot between 9am and 12pm.  The number of sacramental preparation classes depend on the number of registrations therefore, we will not be able to confirm your child's class time until the Information Session on November 16th.


First Sacrament of Reconciliation

On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 9:30am, all candidates can receive their First Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We will have a short prayer service followed by confessions.  A number of priests will be available to hear confessions and all family members are welcome to receive the sacrament on this day.


First Holy Communion Retreat

A First Holy Communion Retreat will be held at the parish on April 12th, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:30am for all children registered in the program and for their parents.   All First Holy Communion candidates and at least one parent/guardian must attend this retreat. 


First Holy Communion Day

First Holy Communion candidates from St. Agnes and Blessed Trinity schools will receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time on May 24th at the 4:30pm Mass.  First Holy Communion candidates from the in-parish classes will receive Jesus in the Eucharist  for the first time on May 25th at the 11:15am Mass.  Parents with children in both programs can choose the Mass they wish to attend by sending an email to Tanya at btfamilylife@gmail.com.


Attendance

Alot of material is covered during each class.  If your child is absent for more than two sessions during the program and/or your child is unable to attend the retreat, we will meet with you to discuss if perhaps the sacrament of Holy Communion should be received at a later date.


Questions?

Reach out to Tanya at btfamilylife@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.


What Can Parents Do To Help their Child during this Formation Period?

  • Attend Sunday Mass weekly, as a family; invite your child to attend the Children’s Liturgy of the Word program offered at the 9:30am Sunday Mass, if desired.
  • Do the assigned weekly Sacramental Prep homework together.  Use the workbook to write your answers.
  • Pray as a family at home, in the morning, before meals, at bedtime, and at other special times; pray the Rosary or a decade of the Rosary regularly.
  • Read the Bible or watch a religious movie or video together (see Family Resources below for some ideas or search YouTube for children stories about the life of Jesus).
  • Celebrate feast days, solemnities, and Baptism Anniversary days with special treats for the whole family!
  • Listen to praise and worship music and/or learn some of our common Catholic hymns.

 

Family Resources

You may enjoy these resources about the Eucharist and Reconciliation.  Some videos require a free subscription to Formed.org; sign up at formed.org/signup and select Blessed Trinity.

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