First Communion

“The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1322)

“The Eucharist is the ‘source and summit of the Christian life’. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church , 1324)

If from the beginning Christians have celebrated the Eucharist and in a form whose substance has not changed despite the great diversity of times and liturgies, it is because we know ourselves to be bound by the command the Lord gave on the eve of his, Passion: “Do this in remembrance of me.”

We carry out this command of the Lord by celebrating the memorial of his sacrifice. In so doing, we offer to the Father what he has himself given us: the gifts of his creation, bread and wine which, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the words of Christ, have become the body and blood of Christ. Christ is thus really and mysteriously made present. We must therefore consider the Eucharist as:

thanksgiving and praise to the Father, the sacrificial memorial of Christ and his Body;
the presence of Christ by the power of his word and of his Spirit. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1356, 1357, 1358).

After completing our Eucharistic program, the children will receive their First Holy Communion on designated Sundays in April and May.

Requirements:

Must be a registered member of St. Mark Parish
Must come to Sunday Mass regularly
The candidates must have participated in the Parish Reconciliation program, as well as celebrated their First Reconciliation.

What’s Involved – How Does It Work?

Parents are required to attend an Explanatory Meeting at the Church.
A completed online Registration Form together with a copy of the child’s official Baptismal Certificate must be submitted to the Church.
Children are required to attend Preparatory Classes and a Retreat (attendance is mandatory).

Fees: Please note that there will be a requested offering of $130 to be given at the time of the parent registration meeting in September for First Reconciliation and First Communion. This amount covers catechism texts and materials, program administration and coordinator costs.

Click on the links below to fill in the registration form and to download the First Reconciliation / First Communion letters:

FIRST RECONCILIATION / FIRST COMMUNION REGISTRATION FORM (link to be activated Sept. 12, 2023)

First Reconciliation / First Communion Letter to Parents June 2023

First Reconciliation / First Communion Letter to Parents September 2023

First Reconciliation / First Communion Parent Information Package

First Reconciliation / First Communion Passport