First Holy Communion

Preparing for the Sacraments: A Readiness-Based Approach

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide the best spiritual formation, we are enhancing how we prepare children to receive the sacraments by adopting a readiness model. Rather than relying solely on grade level, this approach invites families to discern their child’s readiness based on clear, practical benchmarks—signs of spiritual growth and a sincere desire to encounter Christ in the sacraments through a living faith.

This model is grounded in our belief that God is already at work families, and we trust that, with the right encouragement and support, parents can lead their children into a deeper relationship with Jesus and fuller participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
Click here to read the full letter from Fr. David and the Faith Formation Team introducing the Readiness Model.

The Faith Formation Team is here to walk with you as you guide your children in faith. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or if you’re unsure about your child’s readiness—we are here to help.

Questions and Guidelines for Discernment

Family and Child Readiness
Is my family living out the faith?

• We pray together as a family at home.
• We are willing to commit to the ongoing faith formation of our child(ren) in worship, formation, and service.
• We discuss the faith at home.
• We attend Sunday Mass together as a family on a regular basis.

Is my child ready for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist?

• Baptism: Has been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church or a non-Catholic Christian community. (Baptism certificate required. If your child is not baptized, we can help!)
• Age: At least 7 years old.
• Family Faith Life: The family integrates prayer and the liturgical seasons into daily life and attends Mass regularly.
• Faith Formation: The child has a basic foundation in the faith, typically received through ongoing participation in a parish faith formation program, approved homeschool program, or attendance at the parish school in the year prior to and during sacramental preparation. 
• Interest: The child is beginning to ask questions about God and shows a desire to grow in their faith.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the “Readiness Model” for sacramental preparation?
The readiness model invites families to discern when their child is ready to begin immediate preparation for a sacrament based not only on age or grade level, but on lived faith in the home and parish life. Once readiness benchmarks are met, the family can enroll in a separate parish preparation process that includes short retreats.

2. How is this different from how we’ve done it before?
 Previously, children were automatically enrolled in sacramental preparation based on grade level. Under this new model, sacramental preparation is no longer tied to a specific age or grade. Instead, it will be offered when families indicate that their child is ready, based on a shared set of benchmarks and a readiness conversation with the faith formation team.

3. Does this mean my child won’t receive the sacraments “on time”?
 Not necessarily. Many families already live out the faith in a way that meets the benchmarks. In those cases, children may be ready at the typical age. But we also recognize that every family and child grows spiritually at their own pace. This model allows us to better support each family’s unique journey, rather than rushing toward a calendar date.

4. What are the readiness benchmarks?
 Benchmarks include:

• Regular Sunday Mass attendance
• Living out the 5 Precepts of the Church
• Participation in a regular catechetical program (parish school, faith formation, or approved homeschool curriculum)
• Family prayer and conversations about faith
• Completion of “Our Holy Family” monthly worksheet
• Participation in scheduled sacramental retreats (parent and child)

5. Is my child still expected to attend regular religion classes?
 Yes. All children will continue in their regular religion classes, whether in our parish school, parish faith formation, or an approved homeschool program. The immediate preparation for sacraments is a separate process that supplements—not replaces—your child’s ongoing catechesis.

6. What will sacramental preparation look like under this model?
 Immediate preparation will take place primarily through a series of retreats offered throughout the year. These will be led by our parish faith formation team and will include both parents and children. Retreats will focus on prayer, teaching, discussion, and encountering Jesus through the sacraments.

7. What if we don’t feel ready yet?
 That’s okay! This model is designed to give you time, not pressure. You’re always welcome to reach out to our faith formation team for guidance, and we are happy to walk with you as you grow in readiness. The door is always open.

8. Are we being judged if we don’t meet the benchmarks yet?
 Not at all. This model is not about judging or excluding anyone—it’s about offering support. Every family is on a journey, and our goal is to accompany you. If your family isn’t quite there yet, we want to help you take the next steps, with encouragement and grace.

9. What if my child is older but hasn’t received a sacrament yet?
 No problem. The readiness model applies to all children who have not yet received a sacrament. Once readiness is discerned, they can be enrolled in the appropriate preparation process, regardless of age.

10. Who do I contact if I have questions or need help discerning readiness?
 Please contact the parish faith formation team. We are here to support and guide your family every step of the way.