Updated: October 24, 2019

"How many of you say: I should like to see His face, His garments, His shoes. You do see Him, you touch Him, you eat Him. He gives Himself to you, not only that you may see Him, but also to be your food and nourishment." 

- Saint John Chrysostom, Feast Day: September 13

Sacrament Preparation

Sacrament preparation at Saint Catherine of Siena is a two-year process.  Preparation for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion occurs during the first and second grades. As a rule, First Communion takes place after the age of 7, the customary “age of reason”. Hence, children to receive First Holy Communion must be 7 years of age by the end of the final month of the school year (June).

If your child has not been baptized, please contact us. We are happy to accommodate him or her, according to individual needs.  If one or both parents have not received a sacrament, or would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith, we are happy to help, also.

First Penance and First Holy Communion

Students who have completed formal catechesis in the 1^st and 2^nd grade years are candidates to receive First Penance and First Holy Communion in the spring of 2020.  First Holy Communion is planned for Sunday, May 17 at the noon Mass.

Details and other important information will be discussed at parent meetings (dates to be determined). Please check the weekly bulletins for details.

Paperwork:

A First Holy Communion Data Form and recently issued Baptismal certificate is due for each child who will receive the Sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion in the spring of 2020.  Forms are available under the "Important Forms" tab of this website.

First Penance Details:

• First Penance for all children in the CCD program will be held this year on Saturday morning, March 28, 2020 beginning with the 8:30 am Mass.
• Children should wear “Sunday attire” for this special occasion, to show respect for the great value of the Sacrament. No athletic attire, please.
• Please arrive early and sit with your children in the designated pews in the front of the church. Father will speak with the children during his homily. 
• Confessions will be heard after Mass.
• Parents are welcomed and encouraged to receive the Sacrament, also.
• A light breakfast reception will be held in Bishop Justs Hall afterwards. Families are welcomed.. 

Required Rehearsal for First Holy Communion

Thursday prior to First Communion, May 14, 2020, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

First Holy Communion

May 17, 2020 at the Noon Mass

A First Holy Communion Lunch Reception will be held after the First Holy Communion Mass. Parents from the first- and third-grade classes will help host this event. In year’s past, families have found this reception to be a nice bridge to celebrations later in the day.