Typically we celebrate this rite of passage here at Saint John Paul II Parish in the second grade, and so our Religious Ed Class in that grade is geared towards this goal. For a Catholic family, First Holy Communion is a wonderful moment in their lives, for each generation remembers with joy something of their first Holy Communion, and sees before them the future in this second grader, who is now even more fully integrated into the worshipping Parish.

Preparing for First Penance/Reconciliation and First Holy Communion begins with the first class of
the year and continues until the day of First Communion. Parents are required to attend a First
Reconciliation retreat with their child as preparation for this sacrament. Part of First Communion preparation is learning about the Mass and working toward a deeper understanding of the Miracle that takes place at every Mass when bread and wine become our Lord’s Precious Body and Blood. Attending Mass every Sunday or Saturday Vigil is a must.

Please be mindful of meeting the preparatory classes so that your son or daughter is ready for this
important step in their spiritual life. Also, essential is your at-home preparation, so that you discuss
this great mystery of the Eucharist, and how it is important (indeed the most important thing) in our
Catholic life. When we are in Communion with the Lord, then we are on the way to holiness, and that ultimate Communion with Christ in eternity.

Religious Education classes start in the fall and run the school year (September through May) please contact our Religious Education Director: Samantha Harker at 309-540-9800 or email:
[email protected] for further information.