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 will be introducing a new curriculum, Blessed and a new format. The preparation process for each sacrament is a combined process for the children with their parents. Parents will participate in an orientation/training session in December. Parents will then cover the curriculum for First Reconciliation at home and preparation will end with two 2-hour parent/child sessions in January. In March, parents will begin covering the First Holy Communion curriculum at home and in April/May preparation will end with three 2-hour parent/child sessions. 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.

Requirements for Participation:

1. Registration is required and will be published online in June.
2. Children must be enrolled in a regular faith formation option (classroom, at-home, or attend a Catholic school) and Sacrament Preparation classes.
3. All parents attend an orientation session in December to become familiar with the preparation process and the curriculum that they will be using at home.
4. Families will have the opportunity to register for one of two session times for the parent/child meetings:
   • Sunday 12:30-2:30 pm 
   • Monday 5:30-7:30 pm