Sacramental Preparation
First Penance and First Eucharist
Jesus Christ is truly present in our midst. The Sacrament of Penance with the Rite of Reconciliation is an encounter with Jesus resulting in the forgiveness of sins and restoring us to God’s grace. The Eucharist is the most profound way we encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ. In the Archdiocese of Washington, children celebrate the Sacrament of Penance prior to First Eucharist.
How do you know if your son or daughter is ready to receive First Reconciliation? Click here.
Does your son or daughter meet these requirements for preparation to celebrate these sacraments?
- Is he/she at least seven years old?
- Has he/she been baptized in the Catholic Church?
- Has he/she been enrolled for at least two years (including the 2023-2024 school year) in
- A parish school?
- A faith formation program?
- An independent Catholic school?
If the answer to all three questions is yes, then you can begin the preparation process!
- Complete the online enrollment process: Click here to begin the online registration process for First Reconciliation/First Eucharist.
- Plan to actively participate in the preparation:
- Celebrate Mass weekly together as a family. Participating in Mass is an essential part of your children’s formation. Use the weekly Magnifikid! booklets to help engage them in the liturgy.
- Make sure your children are enrolled in faith formation classes. These could take place through Holy Trinity’s At Home Catechesis or Sunday Morning RE; or Holy Trinity School or other Catholic school.
- Complete the at home materials provided to all families. Part of the preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist is the conversation and discussion you will have with your child at home. You will receive sacramental textbooks that your child will complete with your help. In the winter you will complete the Reconciliation textbook together. In the spring you will complete the Eucharist textbook.
- Attend all parent meetings and reflections.
- Pray for your children and pray together as a family.
There are several parent meetings/reflections for each sacrament, and it is expected that parents attend those not listed as optional.
Important dates:
October 6, 2024 – General Parent Meeting, 10:15 am, Trinity Hall (All parents whose children are celebrating First Penance & First Eucharist in 2025 are required to attend.) PowerPoint Presentation
February 9, 2025 – Parent Reflection on the Sacrament of Penance, 10:15 am, Trinity Hall
February 24, 2025 – Sacrament of Penance: A Review (tentative), 7:00 pm on Zoom
March 16, 2025 – Parent Reflection on the Sacrament of the Eucharist, 10:15 am, Trinity Hall
March 8 or March 15, 2025 – Retreat and First Penance, 9:00 am – 12:00pm
Late March 2025 – TBD – The Eucharist: A Deeper Dive, 10:15 am, Trinity Hall
April/ May 2025 – Celebration of First Eucharist at various Masses