To begin your child’s journey towards First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist, please set up a Sacramental Prep interview with our coordinator, Ken Hiveley. The sacramental interview is a chance to get to know you, your child’s needs, and how our program can better serve you.
Sacramental Prep Interview with me: Ken’s Calendar
At the interview, you will receive “Blessed” Home Study Materials and a River of Grace progress chart. Parents will work through six 1.5 hour sessions in the Fall to prepare for December reception of their child’s First Reconciliation. Families will then complete six additional sessions in the Spring for reception of First Holy Communion, typically the last weekend of April and first weekend of May in the Easter season.
We use Dynamic Catholic’s “Blessed” series. You will receive both a First Reconciliation and a First Communion box, each containing a dvd set, Leader Guide and workbook for your child. The material can be viewed online as well at Sacramental Prep Blessed Series.
At the interview, you will also receive your child’s “River of Grace” progress chart. https://www.stceciliaparish.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/River-of-Grace.pdf The River of Grace progress chart helps them track their journey to Bethlehem for First Reconciliation and to Jerusalem for First Holy Communion. You will receive a sticker sheet (cut-it-yourself) and an accompanying Parent Guide to help every step of a candidate’s journey with Jesus flow together!
**Please note: A baptismal certificate is required by the Catholic Church before a child can receive First Reconciliation or First Holy Communion. Because baptism is the sacrament that initiates a person into the life of the Church, the parish office must verify that the individual has been validly baptized. We will need an updated copy of the certificate from the church where the baptism took place if it occurred at a parish other than St. Cecilia or St. Thomas Aquinas. Please email to: faithformation@stceciliaparish.org
First Reconciliation Events for Parents & Children
Fall 2026 First Reconciliation Learning Centers: December 14 or December 15 Reconciliation Learning Center Sign Up
Fall 2026 First Reconciliation Retreat: Wednesday, December 16, 6-7:15PM, North Social Hall & Sanctuary
– All children preparing for First Reconciliation will attend this retreat.
– Faith Formation & Catechesis of the Good Shepherd students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time at this retreat.
– School children will also complete preparation at this retreat, however, they will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time the next day at the St. Cecilia School Advent Retreat on December 17.
First Communion Events for Parents & Children
2027 First Communion Learning Centers: Communion Learning Center Sign Up
2027 First Communion Retreat (Mandatory): Saturday, April 10, 9AM-12PM Noon, North Social Hall & Sanctuary
2027 First Communion Mass Signup: Communion Mass Sign Up