The Sacramental Preparation Program for First Communion is a 2-year preparation program that begins in 1st grade. The sacrament is generally received in the Spring of the child’s 2nd grade year. The child must have received the sacrament of to receive their First Communion. Parents are the primary teachers of their children and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish tries to provide opportunities for the parents to reflect upon their role, as well as give helpful hints to make this a more meaningful family experience as the student’s journey to receive the sacrament of First Communion for the first time.
The Director of Faith Formation, along with Father Bashista, Father Dort, Deacon Rob, and the Faith Formation Administrative Assistant are here to support the parents and families during this process.
Sheri Suess
Director of Faith Formation
Send Email | (703) 494-4008 ext. 130
Mylene Garcia
Faith Formation Administrative Assistant Send Email | (703) 494-4008 ext. 135
Announcements:
First Communion Retreat
April 1 | 9:00am
Please continue taking your child to Mass and helping them understand how they are called to participate. Rewatch parts of the Mass videos with them from the first 14 classes. They are ALL on our K-8th Grade page found on the website under Family Faith Formation.
For the 2022-2023 Holy Eucharist Preparation Program
The Preparation Program for Eucharist kicks off with a Parent Enrichment Meeting in October where the parents learn more about this amazing sacrament and receive the important details and dates. The parents and students will then attend a mandatory First Communion Retreat in April. The children will review the parts of the Mass, practice how to go to Communion, and enjoy time with the other children in our parish receiving the sacrament. Parents will be meeting to review the sacrament of First Communion, how to prepare their child for the sacrament, and to bond with other parents while engaging in small group discussions. The students and parents will also need to attend the Holy Eucharist Practice in early May to go over how the First Holy Eucharist Mass will run. Finally, the students will receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time in May.
** The retreat is mandatory for both the child and at least one parent to attend; but of course, both parents are welcome! **
First Communion Policies and Fees
- Those preparing for the Sacrament of First Communion must attend Mass regularly as well as an approved Faith Formation class each week.
- Refer to the Penance and First Communion schedule carefully and mark your calendar with important and mandatory meeting dates. Please make sure that the Faith Formation office has a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate on file.
- Those receiving the sacrament of First Communion are required to attend our mandatory First Communion Retreat on Saturday, April 1st from 9:00am to 12:30pm.
- At least one parent needs to attend the First Holy Communion Practice on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 5:00-6:00pm in the Main Church.
for more information and details on dress code, please see our FULL First Communion Policies
Fees Include:
Show MorePenance and First Communion Fees Include:
– Sacrament preparation materials for the students including a keepsake guide for making a good confession and Mass prayers and responses both for using before and after the sacraments of Penance and First Communion.
– Materials for our half day retreats in December and April for both children and parents
– Certificates for both sacraments (Penance and First Communion)
– Flowers and cantors for both sacraments
A reception and photographer who takes photos of each child receiving their
– First Communion and our group photo. We send a copy of these to each family.
– Stipends for 5 priests for Penance
Please contact our office if you cannot afford this fee.
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