Welcome to our sacramental preparation page for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion! This page is for families of 2nd graders (and some older children) preparing for these sacraments.
Questions? Contact the Faith Formation Office at 515-850-1883 or email familyfaith@stbonifacechurch.org
Please scroll down this page for:
As parents, you are the first and most important formators of your child in the faith and the parish is here to support you! During our weekly faith formation sessions, we will use the Blest Are We: Faith in Action series to help you prepare your child for the sacraments.
Blest Are We focuses on the Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Community. Units include We Gather as Believers, We Ask God's Forgiveness (preparing for Penance & Reconciliation), We Celebrate the Word of God, We Celebrate the Gift of Eucharist (preparing for First Holy Communion), and We Go in Peace.
Online Access
Blest Are We: Faith in Action curriculum for 1st-5th graders includes online resources available to families. Whether your child is attending sessions in person or you have chosen our home study option, please explore the Flourish website! In addition to a digital copy of your child’s workbook, the site also has a wide variety of free Catholic faith resources, such as discovery and prayer activities for seasons like Advent and Lent, saints stories, virtual tours of cathedrals around the world and much more!
To access your child’s online account
First Reconciliation 2023. Sign up will be available in early 2023 for First Reconciliation on the dates listed below.
Sunday, February 12, 2023, 12:30pm
Tuesday, February 19, 2023, 6:00pm
First Reconciliation is for families. Parents and older siblings are encouraged to prepare for and celebrate the sacrament with their children. If you are unable to bring your child to one of our First Reconciliation services, Father Chinna is available for Confessions on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 4-5 pm. Or you can call the parish office at 515-987-4597 to set up an appointment.
Please read this section, then scroll to the bottom of this page for additional family formation resources and a suggested schedule for watching a series of parent and child videos on the sacrament. Remember that your example and conversations with your child are the best way to help them prepare:
Examination of Conscience
Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, we prepare ourself with an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one's thoughts, words, and actions. Click here to view and print an examination of conscience based on the Ten Commandments, Catholic Social Teaching, or for your particular state in life.
Articles
5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation Preparation: A Guide for Parents
Guide
Guide to Confession from Busted Halo, click here to view and print.
First Holy Communion 2023. Sign up will be available in early 2023 for First Holy Communion on the dates listed below. To ensure space for all, each Mass is limited to 35 families.
Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 5:00pm Mass
Sign up for this Mass is now closed.
Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 8:30am Mass
Sign up for this Mass is now closed.
Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 10:30am Mass
Sign up for this Mass is now closed.
Baptism Records
If we do not have a record of your child’s baptism, we will be contacting you to provide a copy of the certificate. This is required documentation prior to your child celebrating any other sacrament.
Additional Resources
5 ways to Prepare Your Child for First Holy Communion
First Communion: Is Your Child Ready?
Older Children
If your child is older than 2nd grade and has not yet prepared for or celebrated First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, please contact the Faith Formation Office to discuss next steps. Most older children will complete the same preparation( with their parents) as our 2nd graders, with possible adaptations depending on age.
As you prepare your child for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, please watch and discuss together the videos listed below according to the recommended schedule. Questions? Please contact Faye Akers at fayeakers@stbonifacechurch.org or 515-987-4597.
To create a free account on FORMED, go to https://stbonifacechurch.org/formed and enter our parish zip code: 50263