First Communion

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life and the heart of the Church’s worship. In this beautiful sacrament, we encounter Jesus Christ, who is truly present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine. As both a sacrifice and a sacred meal, the Eucharist draws us more deeply into communion with Christ and with one another.

A child’s First Holy Communion is a joyful and sacred milestone in their faith journey. We are excited to partner with your family as you prepare your child to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and experience the grace of this sacrament.

Who prepares

The community of St. Therese invites families with children entering second grade or older to prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. First Communion is traditionally celebrated in second grade, on a weekend after Easter, within our parish liturgies.

How preparation works

Preparing a child to receive their First Holy Communion is a journey of faith for the whole family. At St. Therese, we believe this sacred moment is more than a single day of celebration; it is an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and discover the profound gift of His Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Through prayer, a guided curriculum, and faith-filled conversations at home, parents are invited to journey alongside their child throughout the preparation process. Using materials provided by St. Therese, families will explore the love of Jesus, the beauty of the Mass, and the joy of receiving Him in the Eucharist. The preparation concludes with a parent-child retreat, offering families a special opportunity to pray, reflect, and celebrate together as they prepare for this sacred milestone.

We look forward to working with your family and supporting you as your child takes this meaningful step in their lifelong journey with Christ and His Church.

What to expect:

  • A parent-only session at the start of preparation
  • At-home preparation together through late winter and early spring
  • A required parent-child retreat on a Saturday morning
  • A mandatory rehearsal before the celebration
  • Attending weekend Mass together as a family

Register

Registration for sacramental preparation happens with Faith Formation registration; see our Faith Formation page for the current year’s dates and registration link. Children preparing for First Communion also prepare for First Reconciliation; see our Reconciliation page.

Questions? Email firsteucharist@st-therese.org. We will walk you through everything.

NEXT STEP

Who to contact

To begin First Communion preparation or arrange Communion at home, reach out directly.

First Communion Preparation

firsteucharist@st-therese.org

Communion for the Homebound

Parish Office
952-473-4422
homeboundcommunion@st-therese.org

Need a copy of a Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, or Marriage record from St. Therese?

Sacramental Record Request