FIRST COMMUNION

FIRST COMMUNION AT ST LEONARD

First Holy Communion is most often celebrated by children around the age of seven or eight, when they have reached the age of reason and are capable of participating in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. First Holy Communion is to be preceded by the sacraments of baptism and reconciliation. 

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Children age 8+

First Communion for baptized Catholic children who are older than age eight or First Communion for children baptized in another Christian denomination who wish to pursue the Catholic faith participate in a process called Order of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for Children— also known as Children’s Catechumen and commonly referred to as OCIC.

Children participating in the St. Leonard religious education/faith formation program begin preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in the second (2nd) grade. In the third (3rd) grade they begin a more comprehensive preparation for receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION REQUIREMENTS

  • Parents must present their child’s birth certificate and baptism certificate to the Faith Formation Office

  • Child must be enrolled in faith formation classes and family should be an active member of St. Leonard

  • It is a requirement that the student attends and participates in classes and attends Sunday Mass. Parents/legal guardians also must attend Holy Mass on Sundays with their children

  • Students must attend a retreat (date will be given by Sr. Blanca), and if they cannot attend, they must attend one from another parish with the permission of Sr. Blanca.

For more information or questions about registration, fees, dates, requirements, etc. please email our faith formation office at faithformation@stleonardsa.org or call at 210-924-6000 ext. 108.