Sacramental Preparation

First Reconciliation and First Communion

First Reconciliation & First Communion Registration

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.

Our sacramental preparation program is to be paired with faith formation classes or religion class at a Catholic school. Click here to register your child for faith formation at Nativity of Mary. 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.

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.

Please note that an original baptismal certificate must be provided by the church of Baptism to receive the sacrament of First Communion. Parish staff will explain this process and timeline in the introductory meeting.

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.

Important Dates for 2024-2025:

First Reconciliation Parent Meeting:

Monday, September 23 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. *One parent is required to attend. Children do not need to attend.

Click here to listen to the Talk from Chris Kostelc on the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

First Reconciliation Workshops:

Tuesday, November 12 from 6:45 - 8:15 pm OR Saturday, November 16 from 9:00 - 10:30 am.

First Reconciliation:

Saturday, November 23 from 8:30 - 10:30 am.

First Communion Parent Meeting:

Monday, December 2 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. *One parent is required to attend. Children do not need to attend.

Click here to listen to the Talk from Karl Horwath on the importance of First Communion.

First Communion Workshops:

Saturday, March 15 from 9:00-10:30 am OR Tuesday, March 18 from 6:45-8:15 pm.

First Communion Rehearsal:

Thursday, May 1 from 6:30-7:15 pm.

First Communion Mass:

Sunday, May 4 at 12:30 pm.

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 Emily Dalsky at edalsky@nativitybloomington.org.