St. Mary of the Falls

What a wonderful privilege it is for a child to be able to receive Jesus in a special way in the Sacrament of Eucharist!  In order for Jesus to find receptive hearts in which to enter, children much be prepared to celebrate this sacrament. They do this by having one full year of formation in which they learn about God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the Church Community. This is accomplished in Grade One at St. Mary of the Falls School or in Level One of our PSR program.

In the second year, children are prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and then in the second part of the year, for First Communion. Preparation consists of classroom lessons, as well, as parent participation in the home.  A second meeting for parents is scheduled in February. First Communion is celebrated on a Saturday in May either at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. (The classroom they are in determines which Mass they are assigned.)

Children will practice how to respectfully receive the sacrament. With parent consent, they will also practice taking the wine. 

 First Communion attire:

          Boys

• Dress pants and white or pastel colored shirts
• Solid tie
• Dress shoes
• No jackets

          Girls

• White or pastel colored dress
• Dress shoes (no crocs or flip flops)
• Veils, bows, or flowers in hair are optional
• No shawls, gloves or purses

The children participate in Jesus Day the Saturday prior to First Communion.  This is a preparation day when day school and PSR come together to practice in Church, sing Mass songs, and have classroom activities. All students must be present!

Eucharist is a sacrament that we have been blessed to receive over and over again. The worst spiritual abuse that parents can inflict on their children is to deprive them of the opportunity to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion.  The Eucharist is our spiritual nourishment. Just as parents would never think to starve a child physically, we hope that they will always provide the Eucharist for the spiritual nourishment of their children. The Eucharist is also the "glue" that holds a family together. A family that attends Mass, will always have their faith even in times of trouble and struggle.

Questions about First Communion should be directed to:

     Sr. Jane Reisinger in the Religious Education office, 235-2808.