This workbook is a tool for you as parents preparing your child to receive First Holy Communion.  Click here to view videos to accompany the workbook.

This workbook is a tool for you as parents preparing your child to receive First Reconciliation.  Click here to view videos to accompany the workbook.

First Reconciliation and First Communion :  
A program through which our children prepare to encounter Christ in His mercy, His forgiveness, and His real presence in the Eucharist for the first time. Parents should request enrollment in this Sacramental Preparation program if their child meets the following requirements:

1. The child is baptized.
2. A copy of the child's baptismal certificate is on file with the Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE), even if baptized at our parish.
3. A child is enrolled in our OLHOC Religious Education program or a Catholic School.
4. A child has reached the age of reason, 7 years old (2nd grade or older).
5. A child is in his/her second consecutive year of religious instruction.
6. The child attends weekly Mass.  Attendance at weekly Mass is an integral part of the preparation process for these sacraments.  Mass is where we have our most intimate encounter with Jesus Christ.  Let's be sure our children experience this every week.
7. Parent(s) and child intend to attend First Reconciliation/First Communion workshops/retreats.
8. Parent(s) and child intend to complete assigned work at home.

Sacraments for Older Children:
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children/Youth (RCIC/Y) classes are for children ages 7 and above who have not been baptized and for children who have been baptized but have not received any formal religious education and are preparing for Holy Communion.

These classes are also referred to as RCIC I and RCIC II and are a two year process. A copy of child’s baptismal certificate is to be submitted upon registration. 

Children Enrolled in Catholic School:
Parents seeking to receive these sacraments for their child/ren are required to register their child/ren in our Parish School of Religion if they are a registered OLHOC parishioners. They are also required to participate in the parent/child gatherings that are held during the year in the Fr. Martin Hall.  These gatherings are called G.I.F.T. (Growing In Faith Together)  Sacramental Preparation Workshops.