St. Mary’s is a unique place for many reasons, not least of which is our approach to First communion preparation. At St. Mary’s, the majority of preparation for 1st Communion is done at home, which honors and supports Church teaching that parents are the primary catechists for their children. It is important to note, however, that children who are preparing for 1st Communion are still required to a end Sunday morning faith formation classes. What this means is that at-home preparation for 1st Communion is done alongside, not in replacement of, Sunday morning faith formation.
It is a diocesan policy that children needing 1st Communion must a end at least two years of Sunday morning faith formation. So, if your child is in need of 1st Communion the very first thing you must do is register them for faith formation classes on Sunday morning. Once you have done that, and your child is in their second consecutive year of these classes, you will then be invited to participate in the preparation that is done at home.
If you need to register your child for Faith Formation, or have any further questions regarding 1st Communion at St. Mary’s, please feel free to contact me at the information below. If your child a ended Faith Forma on classes last year, and is in need of 1st Communion, there is still me to register. We will begin the 1st Communion preparation process in mid-October. Church Office 806-376-7204 ext. 3008.