The Diocese of Richmond requires all children prepare for First Reconciliation prior to preparation for First Holy Communion and participate in a preparation program in addition to a regular year round faith formation program. Traditionally, we prepare children for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in the third grade at St. Michael. 

New this year! We are trying a preparation program which will be included as part of the third grade classroom sessions. The children will use a separate curriculum for their sacrament preparation sessions but will meet during the regular calendar of classes for the elementary program. Children who fulfill the regular faith formation requirement outside of the St. Michael classroom program can register for sacrament preparation only - see the options below.

The preparation process for each sacrament is four weeks long and is a combined process for the children with their parents. Children will participate in classroom based learning with a catechist, as well as home-based learning with their parents. Parents will receive instruction on how to lead the at-home portion of the program and have the opportunity to continue their learning through additional adult sessions while the children are in class. 

Requirements for Participation:

1. Children must be enrolled in a regular faith formation option (classroom, at-home, or attend a Catholic school) and Sacrament Preparation classes.
2. All parents attend an orientation session during the first week of each sacrament preparation class (First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion) in order to become familiar with the preparation process and the curriculum that they will be using at home.

Classroom sessions are offered:

• Children enrolled in Elementary Classroom programs will meet for Sacrament preparation during the Elementary Session they are registered to attend.
• Children not enrolled in the classroom faith formation program will have the opportunity to register for:
  • Wednesday 4:15-5:30 pm or 6:00-7:15 pm
  • Sunday 12:45-2:00 pm