Children's Faith Formation and First Reconciliation and Holy Communion
Contact John Sweet - Director of Religious Education
Elementary Faith Formation – 2021-2022
(Elementary Faith Formation is for all children, grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade)
Our Elementary Faith Formation program will be back this year with some exciting changes. Our Sunday program will be offered in the morning so attending Mass and Formation classes is more connected. Our in-person class offerings for the 2021-2022 year are:
Session 1: Sundays from 9:30 am - 10:45 am (for families attending the 11:00 am Mass)
Session 2: Sundays from 10:15 am - 11:30 am (for families attending the 9:00 am Mass)
Session 3: Wednesdays from 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm
In addition, there is a Home Study option available. Texts and parent guides are provided and review sheets are turned into the office at the end of the year.
Our Faith Formation Fee is $30 per child.
- This fee covers the cost of the textbooks and resources used throughout the year.
- Payment can be made by credit card at the time of registration or by cash or check on the first day of classes.
- Please note that these fees can be waived if needed - contact Director of Christian Formation No child will be denied participation due to financial concerns.
Registration will open on August 1, 2021.
Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is open to all St. Mary's Parish children who are in the 2nd grade or above. As primary witnesses of the faith to their children, parents participate actively in the preparation of their children for the sacraments. Our preparation program incorporates "at-church" gatherings for parents and children as well as "at-home" work for parents and children to do together.
A typical year of sacrament preparation includes the following:
- Parent Orientation
- 2 Parent/Child workshops focused on preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- At-Home Reconciliation textbook to be completed.
- Celebration of First Reconciliation - late January/early February.
- 3 Parent/Child workshops focused on preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Communion
- At-Home Eucharist textbook to be completed.
- Celebration of First Holy Communion - first weekend in May
The Diocese of Richmond has set the following requirements:
- All children must prepare for First Reconciliation before preparation for First Holy Communion.
- All children in the Sacrament Preparation program must also be enrolled in and attending either Faith Formation classes or attending a Catholic School
- The sacrament preparation program is separate and distinct from Faith Formation classes and Catholic Schools. Although children learn about the sacraments during the course of their education in these places, the immediate preparation takes place within the parish community where the family attends Mass.
Sacrament Preparation Materials Fee: $50
- This fee covers the cost of the textbooks and resources used throughout the year.
- Payment can be made by credit card at the time of registration or by cash or check on the first day of classes.
- Please note that these fees can be waived if needed - contact Director of Christian Formation No child will be denied participation due to financial concerns.
Registration will open on August 1, 2021.
Other Children's Ministries:
Click on the program name to visit each page and learn more.
Elementary Faith Formation & First Reconciliation/Holy Communion
Adult Volunteer Opportunities (it takes many people to help run these programs)
Sunday Nursery (coming soon)
Children's Liturgy of the Word