First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation

Our sacramental preparation program is to be paired with faith formation classes or religion class at a Catholic school. Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion can be started in second grade; third through eighth graders who have not yet received these sacraments may also register. For 9th graders and older, we refer to our RCIA program instead.

For Students Who Do NOT Attend Catholic School
All students who are not enrolled in a Catholic school must participate in Wednesday Evening Faith Formation. Please click the link below to complete the Faith Formation Pre-Registration form. Note: If your child is in 2nd grade, this registration will automatically include them in First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation.

Faith Formation Pre-Registration

For Students Who Attend Catholic School
Students who attend a Catholic school are not required to participate in Wednesday Evening Faith Formation. Please click the link below to register your child specifically for First Reconciliation & First Communion preparation.

Catholic School Student Registration – First Reconciliation & First Communion

2025-2026 Important Dates:

• First Reconciliation Parent Meeting: October 8th, 6:30-7:30 PM, Gathering Space. *Please note only one parent is required to attend. Children do not need to be present.
• First Reconciliation Workshops: Wednesday, November 12th 6:30-8 PM or Saturday, November 15th, 9-10:30 AM, Gathering Space. *One parent must attend with child.
• First Reconciliation: Saturday, November 22nd, 8:30-10:30 AM.
• First Communion Parent Meeting: Wednesday, January 14th, 6:30-7:30 PM, Gathering Space.*Please note only one parent is required to attend. Children do not need to be present.
• First Communion Workshop: Wednesday, 4th 6:30-8 PM or Saturday, March 7th, 9-10:30 AM, Gathering Space. *One parent must attend with child.
• First Communion Rehearsal: Thursday, April 16th, 6-7 pm, Church
• First Communion Mass: Sunday, April 19th at 12:30 PM.

Program Summary

Our parish program consists of parent introductory meetings, in-person family workshops, and an at-home curriculum for parents and children to work through together. We use the BLESSED program from Dynamic Catholic. We provide a student workbook to all registered students, which is available in English or Spanish. An engaging, animated film series is available online and can be used to supplement and reinforce the material.

The program year starts by first focusing on First Reconciliation and then moving into preparation for First Communion. The program cost is $50 and covers the cost of the workbooks, speaker fees, and workshop supplies. Scholarships and payment plans are available upon request.

Role Description

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children" (CCC 2223). It also states that "the role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute. The right and the duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable" (CCC 2221).

At Nativity of Mary Church, we support parents in their essential role in passing on the faith to their children. 

Below is a description of all of the various supports your child will have on these important next steps in his or her faith journey.

Questions?

Please contact Kelly Schumacher (Parish Life Coordinator) at kschumacher@nativitybloomington.org. 

Confirmation

Please head over to our webpage for more details. 

Any questions regarding confirmation program can be directed to Molly Bellmont at mollybellmont@nativitybloomington.org.