Our preparation process is driven by a child’s readiness and includes children in 2nd through 5th grade. Parents who find that their child is not yet ready can wait another year while the child grows in their ability to understand these sacraments.
Preparation for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is family-centered, which means that parents attend preparation here at church with their child as well as work with their child at home.
The preparation for these sacraments requires two continuous years of Elementary Family Formation (EFF) religious education.
The first year of preparation is offered at the academic grade level of Elementary Family Formation. Second year of preparation consists of Elementary Family Formation attendance at the academic grade level AND separate sessions for sacramental preparation. Elementary Family Formation attendance is monitored and an attendance of 85% is expected (4 classes may be missed). If more than 4 classes are missed, Elementary Family Formation make-up lessons will be assigned.
These sacramental preparation sessions (on the second year) are offered at two different times during the week. You may attend whichever day is convenient for you for that session. Please download the ESF calendar located at the bottom of this page.
– Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm
– Monday evening at 6:45pm
For First Reconciliation (Confession):
There is a parent orientation, 5 classes that the parent and child attend together, and a family project. First Reconciliation is typically celebrated in November, before Thanksgiving.
For First Holy Communion:
There is a parent orientation, 6 classes that the parent and child attend together, as well as a workshop. First Holy Communion is typically celebrated the last weekend of April.
There are no fees for sacramental preparation. For Elementary Family Formation fees, please visit St Catherine’s Elementary Family Formation.
Ifyou have recently moved to our parish,WELCOME! Please visit Join St Catherine’s Community to register your family. Then, visit St Catherine’s Elementary Family Formation and locate the link to register your child in Elementary Family Formation. Registration for Elementary Sacrament Formation is included within this registration process. Please provide a brief letter or email from your previous parish noting your child’s attendance in an appropriate religious formation program.
If your child was baptized at a parish, other than St Catherine of Siena, a copy of your child’s baptismal record will be required before your child may receive Reconciliation.
The diocese of Fort Worth does allow home study for regular grades when the children are not attending sacramental formation. Once in this formation, it is recommended that you attend sacramental sessions in person. Nevertheless, if your family home-schools for academic subjects or the child has a health condition preventing attendance in person, the diocese allows the Director of Sacramental Catechesis to make exceptions.
Mass attendance is an absolute requirement for children preparing to celebrate a sacrament. If your child is missing all or part of Mass on a regular basis, other than for very serious reasons, you will be asked to come back for classes another year when the Mass attendance requirement is being met.
As of May 20, 2021, Most Rev Michael F. Olson STD, MA stated that the obligation to attend Mass remains in effect by virtue of Divine Law and the Precepts of the Church, and excepting legitimate reasons (like a compromised health, inclement weather or during an emergency) binds every Catholic under penalty of grave sin. He continues saying that livestream Mass does not substitute for actual presence.
Please complete the registration form using the link below:
Calendar – Please download our 2023-2024 ESF Calendar and get all of our session dates on your family calendar.
