Preschool through 1st Grade

Elementary Programs

First Communion

Middle School Programs

Confirmation

High School Programs

Adult Education

Library

First Communion:

First Communion is a special sacrament that we help students prepare for.  Students typically celebrate first communion during 2^nd grade, but we also welcome older children that have not yet celebrated. 

 Preparation is a 2 year commitment and includes; class participation, reconciliation, parent meetings, attendance at Mass, completion of First Communion books, and practice time. A student must attend one year of classes here at St Catherine’s prior to the year they will be celebrating a sacrament.  The first year of class participation is considered “Level I Sacramental Prep.” The second consecutive year of class participation involves more detailed sacramental preparation.  This is referred to as “Level II Sacramental Prep.”

The traditional grade level for a student to celebrate First Communion is 2^nd grade so he/she would need to be enrolled and attend classes in 1^st grade. We also welcome students of other grade levels (older than 2^nd grade) that have not celebrated First Communion.  Students in 2^nd grade that have not attended 1^st grade classes will be enrolled in a “Level I First Communion Prep class” using the Faith First 1 book.  Students older than 2^nd grade that are attending classes for the first time will use the book that is assigned to their grade level.  Some 1^st and 2^nd graders may be in a combined grade level class.

 The reason that we require a two consecutive year program is because celebrating a sacrament should involve becoming familiar and comfortable with our parish community. Class participation is an important part of our program.  Students that attend our classes have the opportunity to meet peers and share their faith, work in small groups, become familiar with our facility, and take class visits to the church.  They will also experience opportunities to meet our priests, develop relationships with catechists, learn how they can become involved volunteering at the church, and enjoy the benefits of a structured classroom setting. 

 These changes are in effect for the 2011-12 school year. Students entering 2^nd grade fall of 2010 are not required to attend classes one year prior to celebrating a sacrament.  But, those students in 1^st grade this year need to be enrolled in classes THIS fall for Level I First Communion Prep in order to celebrate First Communion in 2^nd grade. 

Please contact Paula Mathieu at 327-5165 ext 115 or pmathieu@stcatherinesiena.org for more information about First Communion.