The First Communion Preparation Program at Good Shepherd supports families whose children are seeking the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist. The program is focused on helping children and their families dive deeper into the Church’s teaching on the Sacraments as well as equipping them with tools to deepen their relationship with Christ.

The Program is offered twice a year (once each semester) and consists of four workshops along with a Reconciliation Service and First Communion Mass for the group. These workshops are held on select Sundays throughout the semester from 2:00-3:45pm. A typical schedule is listed below:

• 1st Workshop: Introduction + Reconciliation (either in September for the fall semester or January for the spring)
• 2nd Workshop: Reconciliation
• Reconciliation Service
• 3rd Workshop: The Eucharist
• 4th Workshop: Receiving the Eucharist
• First Communion Mass Rehearsal
• First Communion Mass (either December for the fall semester or May for the spring)

Note that the Program is separate from weekly faith formation classes. Students are expected to attend regular faith formation classes while preparing for First Communion.

The First Communion Preparation Program is not the first step in a child preparing to receive Penance and the Eucharist. This preparation begins in the domestic Church, the family, to support the child growing in their faith and understanding. Because of this, families are expected to regularly attend Mass and pray together. To be eligible to participate in our parish’s preparation Program, a child must meet the following criteria:

• Baptized
• Age 7-10 years old (typically 2nd – 5th grade)
• Participated in a formal faith formation program last year at GSCC or at another parish or Catholic school
• Currently attending faith formation
• Recognizes Jesus in the Eucharist and desires to receive Him

Once enrolled in the First Communion Preparation Program, a child accompanied by a responsible adult will attend each of the workshops together as the child prepares First Reconciliation and Communion. During these workshops, families will be given tools that they can use at home to continue to grow in the faith and help guide their children through the Mass and Reconciliation.

If a child has not been Baptized by the time that they turn 7 or have not received First Communion by age 10, then the child will prepare to receive these Sacraments through the OCIA-Adapted for Children and Teens program. Please visit our webpage for OCIA to learn more about this pathway.

To get started, please follow the steps below:

1. Obtain a copy of your child’s Baptism certificate if your child was not Baptized at GSCC.

2. Submit an inquiry form for each child who is seeking First Communion

      a. Note that uploading a photocopy of your child’s Baptism certificate is required to submit this form. If your child was Baptized at GSCC, there is an option for you to select this in the form so that you do not need to upload a copy.

3. Look for an email from our staff who will reach out to you following up on your inquiry form and who will share next steps.

4. Officially register for the workshops upon the direction of the staff member. Note that you will be asked to pay a $35 registration fee that covers the cost of the materials provided to your family as well as a professional photographer that captures the First Communion Mass.

Please contact Amy Crissey, the Coordinator of Children’s Faith Formation should you have any questions. We look forward to supporting your family as your child prepares for First Holy Communion!