Grade K-5 Formation

Preparing for First Reconciliation and Eucharist

Parents are the primary educators of their children; therefore, Faith Formation will assist the parents of both parish and school children in preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist by providing preparation resources, parent/child meetings and retreats. The celebrations occur within the Parish liturgies. First Reconciliation occurs in the fall, and First Eucharist takes place on a weekend after Easter.

Parents must register their child to begin the preparation process for these sacraments. Registration for sacramental preparation occurs in conjunction with Faith Formation registration–typically in the Spring of the year for classes beginning the following Fall. Contact the parish office for information regarding Faith Formation registration.

First Reconciliation

The community of St. Therese invites families with children entering the second grade or older to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Forgiveness/Healing, has traditionally been celebrated in the second grade prior to the reception of First Eucharist.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation begins with a parent-only session. At this session, parents receive the catechetical teaching materials for at home study with their child during the months of September thru November. The parent session will also include an overview of current Catholic teaching and practice of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When this at-home study is complete, parents and children are asked to participate in a Saturday morning retreat for further learning and sharing about the Sacrament. Contact Person: Liz Lammers 952-261-0563 or llammers@st-therese.org.

First Eucharist

The Community of St. Therese invites families with children entering the second grade and older to prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. First Eucharist (or First Communion) is traditionally celebrated in the second grade. Parents are asked to support the preparation of their children for the Sacrament of Eucharist by regularly attending weekend Mass. Preparation for First Eucharist begins with one, parent-only session. At this session, parents will receive the catechetical teaching materials for at home study with their child during the months of February thru April. This session will also include an overview of current Catholic teaching and practice of the Sacrament of Eucharist. During March, parents and children are asked to attend a Saturday morning retreat for further learning and sharing about the Sacrament. A mandatory rehearsal will be held prior to the actual reception of Holy Communion for the first time. Contact Person: Liz Lammers 952-261-0563 or llammers@st-therese.org.

Policy for Sacrament Preparation

Uninterrupted ongoing faith formation provides the seamless faith development that is essential for the reception of the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. Attendance at Mass and the regular reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are crucial to the forming of one’s faith. We recognize that some students may have had an interrupted formation process. These students will be required to take a year of Faith Formation prior to registration for sacramental preparation. Exceptions to this policy may be on an individual basis. This is ONLY for those who come to us with an already interrupted process.