Welcome

At St. Theresa Catholic Church, we joyfully accompany children and families as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time—a beautiful milestone in their lifelong journey of faith. Our parish is committed to helping each child grow in love for Christ and to understand the sacred gift of the Eucharist through prayer, study, and family participation.

First Communion Overview

Children who have already been baptized in the Roman Catholic Church typically prepare to receive their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion during their elementary years as part of our parish Faith Formation program.

Preparation for these sacraments is a two-year process: 

• In the first year, children attend regular Faith Formation classes to grow in understanding of God, prayer, and daily Christian living.
• In the second year, eligible students enroll in the First Sacraments class, which provides focused preparation for both First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion.

Children must be at least 7 years old (typically in 2nd grade or older) by the start of the school year to begin sacramental preparation.

What the Program Includes

The First Sacraments class helps children deepen their faith and understanding of:

• God’s love and mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• The meaning and mystery of the Eucharist
• How to participate fully and reverently at Mass
• Ways to grow in friendship with Jesus

Family Participation

Because parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith, parent involvement is required. While children attend class, parents participate in formation sessions throughout the year, receiving the same key themes to reinforce learning and faith at home.

Class Schedule

• First Sacraments Class sessions are held on Sundays, with make-up sessions available as needed.
• Children must also attend their weekly Faith Formation class in addition to the sacramental sessions.

Eligibility

To enroll in the First Sacraments class, your child must:

• Have already received the Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church
• Be at least 7 years old and entering 2nd grade or higher before classes begin in September
• Have completed one full year of Faith Formation with regular attendance (80% or higher), or be enrolled in a Catholic school

If your child has not yet been baptized or was baptized in another Christian denomination, please visit our Baptism for Children Ages 7-17 page to learn more about the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA formerly RCIA) program adapted for children and teens.

Registration & Additional Information

Online Registration typically opens in July each year. Announcements are made in the parish bulletin, on the website, and through parish communications. For information about tuition, forms, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please visit our Parent Resources page

 

If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please contact our Faith Formation Office:  281-494-1156 or via email at faithformation@sugarlandcatholic.com