Diocesan guidelines state that children who have been baptized in the Catholic Church are to be involved in a catechetical process for at least a year prior to formal preparation for these sacraments.

First Reconciliation preparation is designed to prepare them for this healing and forgiving encounter with Christ. All children who wish to receive First Eucharist prepare first for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Preparing your child for the sacraments is a partnership between family and parish. The National Directory for Catechesis requires that parents also take an active part in the child's formation. Families can enroll their child in the family program for preparing and celebrating the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (First Communion) as second graders, if they have been a part of the parish faith development process (HI-life) in the first grade or earlier.

The preparation process at Holy Infant involves participation in our parish faith formation process (HI-life), attendance at parent and parent/child workshops, and completing required materials at home.

Sacrament preparation for First Reconciliation / First Eucharist involves:
	•	Participation in parish life, particularly regular attendance at the weekend Liturgy
	•	Participation in monthly HI-life intergenerational gatherings
	•	Faith formation at home, aided by the materials provided in the HI-life@home kit
	•	Participation in parish parent and child sacrament preparation sessions (approximately once a month). For more information, see the current Sacrament Preparation Workshop Schedule and registration form.

First Reconciliation is usually scheduled during the fall and is normally celebrated at a parish communal Reconciliation Service.

We delight in sharing this significant time in your family's ongoing faith development and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact the Faith Development office.

Those who wish to share in this ministry as a sacrament preparation catechist for the workshops, a refreshment volunteer, or a retreat assistant are asked to contact the Faith Development office.