FIRST COMMUNION FOR CHILDREN

Formation for First Communion at St. Pancratius is a family journey. Our process is structured for the whole family to grow together in their relationship with Jesus.

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT the traditional catechism program where children get dropped off in a classroom once a week. Our formation requires a deeper level of participation from both parents and children.

MASS ATTENDANCE

Participation in Sunday Mass is not only a precept of the Church but the very heart of our Catholic life. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith—from it flows all that we believe and how we live. For this reason, regular Mass attendance is essential, especially during sacramental preparation. 

As part of the First Communion journey, families are expected to:

• Attend the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass twice a month (This Mass fulfills the Sunday obligation).
• Attend a Sunday Mass of your choice at St. Pancratius on the remaining weekends and submit proof of attendance via the parish website.

MONTHLY LESSON GATHERINGS

From October to April, parents and students will meet once a month to complete the lessons.

• Children will participate in lessons designed to help them understand the faith and prepare for the sacraments.
• At the same time, the parents will attend a parent session focused on how to live out the faith at home and reinforce that month’s lesson.

FAITH AT HOME (HOMEWORK)

• Parents and students will receive homework to be completed together at home.
• Homework will be submitted online through the parish website.

SPIRITUALITY NIGHTS (FOR PARENTS)

From September through December, we will host monthly Spirituality Nights that focus on specific topics that will deepen our understanding of the Catholic faith. These sessions are for parents only (at least one parent must attend). Unfortunately, childcare is not provided.

SMALL GROUP MEETINGS

From January through April, we will have monthly small group meetings that bring families together in a more personal setting. These gatherings offer an opportunity to build community, engage in meaningful discussion, and support one another on the journey.

• Both parents and children are required to attend one of the small group sessions. 
• Families will be able to choose from a list of dates/times that work best for their schedule.

ONLINE PARENT CERTIFICATION

Parents are required to complete an Online Parent Certification that aligns with their year’s curriculum. The certification must be completed no later than September 28, 2025 and a copy of the certificate of completion must be submitted to Araceli by that date. Failure to complete and submit the certification by the deadline will result in automatic removal from the program.

CALENDAR

Please scroll down to view the Year 1 calendar. 

ABSENCES

We understand that sometimes circumstances prevent attendance. Families may miss up to 2 (two) sessions per year. Missed lessons must still be completed at home and turned in online to stay on track.

PAYMENT

$135 Registration Fee per year, per child

• Full payment is due by October 29, 2025 (Payment plans available upon request)
• There is a special rate for families with 3+ students enrolled in First Communion and/or Confirmation.

OTHER

At the time of completing the online registration form, you will need to upload a scan/photo of the baptism certificate. If the child is not baptized, we will need a scan/photo of the birth certificate. Please have those documents ready.