What you need to know about your child's First Holy Communion

We are overjoyed to walk with you and your child on their journey to the Eucharist. Please read through the information here along with this letter from Alycia Valentiny, our Director of Religious Education, and contact us if you have any questions. 

All children receiving their First Reconciliation an First Holy Communion must be baptized Catholics and provide:

Information Form: Due in November

The First Communion Information Form must be filled out and turned in to the school or parish office before the First Reconciliation Prep Meeting. Download form here.

Baptismal Certificate: Due in November

If your child was not baptized at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, a copy of their Baptismal Certificate is needed before the First Reconciliation Prep Meeting. 

If your child has not been baptized Catholic, we are happy to assist you in having your child baptized so that they can receive the Eucharist. Please fill out this form. 

Wednesday, November 10: First Reconciliation Prep Meeting

6:00pm, St. Anthony de Padua Church
This meeting is for school families with children who are prepping for First Reconciliation. At least one parent is expected to attend with child.

Wednesday, November 17: First Reconciliation 

6:00pm, St. Anthony de Padua Church
After the 5:30pm Mass. Please dress children in their Sunday best. Parents may also receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Saturday, April 23: First Holy Communion Retreat

8:00am - 12:00pm at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church
The whole morning will be devoted to making the final preparations for your child's First Holy Communion. The retreat is for 2nd Graders at St. Anthony School. We also ask that at least one parent/guardian attend.

General Schedule for the Day
-8:15am Mass in the Church.
-Morning Session with presentations and the making of a keepsake craft.
 

Sunday, May 1: First Holy Communion Mass, 12:30pm

This Mass is separate from our regular weekend Masses. 

• 11:30pm: 1st Communicants report to the Church Meeting Room (under the bell tower). 

• Dress Code for Girls: Traditional white dress, low heel formal shoes, shoulders covered. Gloves and accessories are allowed but cannot be worn during Mass. 

• Dress Code for Boys: dress pants, white shirt, (tie and suit jacket are optional), dress shoes. No tennis shoes allowed. 

• Up to two parents or adults may receive Communion along with each First Communicant. They will sit in the reserved pews with the children, separate from the rest of the Congregation. If both parents choose this option, they will need to make arrangements for siblings to sit with family or friends. 

Please note! This is an extra Sunday Mass outside of our normal schedule specifically for the celebration of First Holy Communion. 

If you have any questions, please contact us–we're here to help!

Alycia Valentiny
Director of Religious Education
574-282-2308, ext. 206
[email protected]