Preparing for First Communion is a two year process open to children who are baptized, 7+ years old and enrolled in first grade or above. Registration is required. 

In the first year, usually beginning in 1st or 2nd grade, the child receives religious education at a Catholic School (e.g., St. Nicholas School, Canyon Heights, etc.), or at our weekly Faith Formation Year 1 program. Faith Formation Registration opens in the summer for classes that run from September to May each year. 

The second year of preparation includes catechesis and Sacramental Preparation for both First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The child attends catechism classes every week in our Faith Formation Year 2 program or at a Catholic School. Faith formation students who have completed their first year of catchesis must register for their second year of Faith Formation and must also register for Sacramental Preparation in the second year, for which there is an additional fee. Catholic School students only register for Sacramental Preparation.

During the second year, the candidate with their family is also required to participate in:

• A Sacramental Prep parent meeting for First Reconciliation

• First Reconciliation

• A Sacramental Prep parent meeting for First Communion

• A First Communion retreat for parent and child

• Rehearsal for First Holy Communion

To register for First Holy Communion Sacramental Preparation children must be:

• baptized Roman Catholic or in another Christian tradition *

• at least 7 years of age

• in at least the 2nd grade, and

• currently enrolled in their 2nd+ consecutive year of Faith Formation

The children must also participate in our weekly Sunday liturgy with their family. 

* If your child has not been baptized and is 7+ years old please enroll them in Order of Christian Initiation for Children. 

Older children who have been baptized but who are still in need of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion may enroll in classes that meet monthly to prepare them for the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC).

OCIC classes are scheduled based on the availability of the Catechists and participants. Full initiation Sacraments (Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation) are usually received at the Easter Vigil Mass. First Holy Communion may be received with the Sacramental class. Please email Catherine Campbell or call 650-948-2158, ext. 2209 for more details.