First Holy Communion
Welcome!

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First Holy Communion is a sacrament of welcome into the community of Jesus Christ and celebrates the beautiful gift of belonging to Jesus Christ with the community of the Catholic Church for the whole world. It invites and calls us to joyfully live, learn, love, grow, and be nourished in faith together.
Households with children who are baptized and in 2nd grade or higher by fall 2024 are welcome to enroll in St. Matthew's First Communion preparation program.  Before receiving First Communion, all children at St. Matthew's are provided the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, and are provided age-appropriate catechetical instruction to prepare for this special sacramental moment. Please note: First Communion families are expected to participate in Generations of Faith, our parish’s faith formation program. 
First Holy Communion is a sacrament that invites our participation. It joins us most fully with Christ and all the members of the Church, and strengthens us to live as children of God. Our Sacramental preparation comprises ritual experiences and expression, prayer, scripture, and reflection, and so First Communion candidates and at least one parent are expected to attend all sessions on the attached schedule, including our monthly Faith Formation program, Generations of Faith.  To learn more about Generations of Faith (GOF), visit our GOF webpage.
 
Reconciliation is a sacrament that invites us to celebrate God’s endless love and mercy. Before receiving First Communion, all children at St. Matthew's are provided the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, and are provided age-appropriate catechetical instruction to prepare for this special sacramental moment.

As we know, this year is unlike any other, and so we are adapting our program with the safety and well-being of all in mind.  Our current plans are based on governmental and diocesan regulations and could change if these regulations change.  More information will be available at our September parent meetings. (Please see below for more information about our September parent meetings.)  

Three Steps to Enroll in First Communion & Reconciliation Preparation

Step One: Plan to attend our September parent meeting - September 12, 2024 at 7PM. The meeting will be held at St. Matthew’s in the Social Hall.         
Step Two: Complete a First Communion Registration Form: 
Here is the link to download the First Communion Registration Form: First Communion Registration Form  
(Deadline = September 27, 2024)
Step Three: Complete a Generations of Faith (GOF) Registration Form:
We strongly urge you to visit our GOF webpage to learn about how GOF will work this year.  There are FAQ's to help you make the most informed decision about participating in faith formation at St. Matthew's this year. To register for GOF you will need to complete the registration form and submit it to our parish office.  Here is the link to download the Generations of Faith Registration Form: GOF Registration Form
​(Deadline = September 27, 2024)

2024-2025 First Communion & Reconciliation Preparation Schedule
Welcome! 
Reminder: At least one parent/guardian must participate in all scheduled events with your children. Note that there are two “parent only” meetings on the calendar as well.  All sessions are on-site for this year. Thank you!

Households also attend all First Communion Preparation Sessions:
-September 12, 2024 7:00pm: Parent Meeting
 -Parent/Child Kickoff Retreat  TBA
 -Parent/Child Reconciliation Retreat *Includes Sacrament of Reconciliation    TBA
 -Parent Meeting  TBA
 -Parent/Child First Communion Final Preparation Retreat    TBA
 -First Communion Rehearsal and Liturgies   TBA

Schedule for GOF 2024-2025
Households attend all Generations of Faith sessions:​
  • October 5 & 6
  • ​November 2& 3
  • December 7 & 8
  • January 4 & 5
  • February 1 & 2
  • March 1 & 2
  • April 5 & 6
  • May 3 & 4

Questions?

Please contact: Mrs. Melissa Usher, Pastoral Associate for 1st Communion.
​[email protected] / 518-765-2805