Starting in grade 2, children who have already been baptized* prepare for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation together. This catechesis takes place in a partnership between the home, parish, and school if the child attends a Catholic elementary school. Preparation begins in the fall, and both sacraments are usually celebrated in the spring.

Because St Anne Church is partnered with St Joseph Church, preparation is offered at both locations. Families are welcome to prepare at whichever location works best for them. First Communion itself is celebrated in the Parish you are connected with. 


*Children who have not yet been baptized, and are in grade 2 will be prepared for and celebrate Baptism before their first Eucharist. Children in grade 3 and above will prepare for and celebrate Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist together. If this is applicable to your child(ren), make sure to indicate this in your registration.

To download a PDF printable version of this letter and the list of this year's dates for preparation, click here.

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September 2024

Dear parents and caregivers,

In our Roman Catholic faith, children in grade two and above are eligible to celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Holy Eucharist (Communion) for the first time. It is with great joy that St Anne and St Joseph Parishes invite your family to join this year’s Sacramental Preparation. 

As parents and caregivers, you know that you are your child’s first and most important teachers of faith. Our goal is to walk with you, providing tools and information to help you prepare as a family. We do this through take-home resources, monthly sessions for children and parents/caregivers, and class visits at St Anne and St Bernadette.

The St Anne and St Joseph faith communities work closely together, with a single pastoral team. Therefore, you may choose between Sunday evenings at St Joseph or Wednesday evenings at St Anne for preparation sessions. All dates are on the back of this sheet. No matter where you prepare, your child will receive First Eucharist at the parish you are connected with (St Anne or St Joseph). 

We wish to extend a particular invitation to those children and families who need extra support during this process. We are happy to work with you to offer the accommodations or adaptations your children need to follow Jesus and prepare for these Sacraments.

If your child has not been baptized, or was baptized into another Christian denomination and would like to become Catholic, please contact our youth minister Mary Forcier so we can make appropriate arrangements for your child to join us this year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call your parish office, email us, or speak to us at Mass. 
Yours in faith,
The Pastoral Team of St Anne and St Joseph

Father Luca Roso
Father Mussie Keflezghi
Mary Forcier, Youth Minister

“Each time we receive Communion, we resemble Jesus more… as the bread and the wine are converted into the Body and Blood of the Lord, so too those who receive it with faith are transformed into a living Eucharist.”                                    – Pope Francis

Downloads
Family is the first place children find and learn the language of love. These short pamphlets will help you connect your own faith and family life with your upcoming sacraments. Created by our Diocese Catechetical Office, these resources give simple, effective suggestions for parents and caregivers to help prepare children for Reconciliation and Eucharist in everyday ways.
 

Videos

Prepared by Busted Halo, these short videos are a quick refresher on the importance of these Sacraments. 

Children and adults living with disabilities are called to be active members of our faith community, and to participate fully in the life of faith. When it comes to recieving the Sacraments, adapted or alternative preparation is sometimes needed, but God remains the same! 

Parents know their children best. How each child learns, how they communicate, and how they demonstrate their learning varries. Our parish team has experience working with a variety of special needs, and is always open to learning more! Please contact Mary at [email protected] to begin the conversation of how we can help your child to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. 


Information from the Diocese of Hamilton is available at https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/evangelization-catechesis/sacraments/preparation-children-special-needs