First Communion Preparation

The First Holy Communion is typically celebrated during the Easter season for children in 2nd grade or higher. To fully understand the Eucharist as the gift of Christ’s presence, sacrifice, and love, given for the salvation of humanity, children must be enrolled in Faith Formation for two years. In our archdiocese, preparation for and the celebration of Reconciliation are required before receiving the First Eucharist.

To support families in this journey, parents receive take-home materials to help their children prepare for these sacred liturgical moments.

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General Guidelines

According to Canon Law, sacraments should be received in the parish where one actively worships and participates in the community. Therefore, families participating in the sacramental preparation program should be registered parishioners of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church and regularly attend Mass.
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For Parents of Registered Students Only: Mandatory Meeting 

Mandatory Parent Meeting for First Reconciliation. Check in the FLC at 6:20 pm with your child’s teacher name. At least one parent must attend. 
 
Wednesday Classes: 
• November 5th in English 
• November 12th in Spanish

Thursday Classes:
• November 6th in English 
• November 13th in Spanish

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Registration

The 2025-2026 Catechism Registration is now closed. Registration will open in July 2026.

Steps to enroll your child:

• If you are not yet a registered parish member, you must first complete parish registration.
• If your child is preparing to receive their First Eucharist and was not baptized at St. Bartholomew, a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate must be submitted to the CCE office.
• Once a registered parishioner, contact the catechism office to enroll your child.
• If no spots are available in the catechism classes, ask the staff about home-based catechism options to ensure your child can still prepare for the sacraments.

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First Holy Communion Dress Code

To maintain reverence during the First Holy Communion Mass, please follow the dress code below:
Girls

• White dresses (no strapless or spaghetti straps)
• White shoes
• Veils (optional)

Boys

• White dress shirts with ties
• Dress pants and dress shoes
• Suits/jackets (optional)

During the Mass, students should not carry anything in their hands (e.g., gloves, Bibles, or rosaries). 
After the Mass, any religious items brought to Mass will be blessed by the priest at the end of the service.

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Documents

• 2025-2026 CCE Calendar
• Prayers Your Child Should Know - Oraciones que su hijo/a debe saber
  
• Safe Environment Training for Adult Volunteers

Código de Vestimenta:

• Niños: Camisa blanca, corbata, pantalón de vestir y zapatos. Los trajes son opcionales.
• Niñas: Vestido blanco, zapatos blancos. Velo opcional. No se permiten guantes.
• Los estudiantes que asisten al segundo año de Clases Sacramentales y que harán su Primera Comunión en la primavera deben confesarse durante el receso.

Los estudiantes deben estar en Formación de Fe durante al menos dos años antes de recibir un sacramento.

Clases de Catecismo

• Grados 1-5: Se ofrecen los miércoles y jueves.
• Grados 6-8: Deben presentarse en el Edificio Juvenil para las clases.
• Estudiantes de secundaria que están en su segundo año de Formación de Fe y necesitan la Primera Comunión deben asistir a clases en el edificio FLC.
• Adolescentes de preparatoria: Deben acudir a Confirmación Juvenil para obtener información.