We are overjoyed to walk with you and your child on their journey to the Eucharist. Please read through the information here along with this letter from Alycia Valentiny, our Director of Religious Education, and contact us if you have any questions. 

All children receiving their First Reconciliation an First Holy Communion must be baptized Catholic. 

Information Form: Due December 7
The First Communion Information Form must be filled out and turned in to the school or parish office by December 7, 2018. Download form here.

Baptismal Certificate
If you child was not baptized at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, a copy of their Baptismal Certificate is needed by December 7, 2018.

Tuesday, January 8: First Reconciliation Prep Meeting
6:15 pm, St. Anthony de Padua Church
This meeting is for school and RE families. At least one parent is expected to attend with child.

Thursday, January 17: First Reconciliation 
6:00 pm, St. Anthony de Padua Church
Dress code: Sunday best
Parents may also receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Wednesday, May 1: First Holy Communion Retreat

8:00 am - 3:00 pm at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church
The whole school day will be devoted to making the final preparations for your child's First Holy Communion. The retreat is for 2nd Graders at St. Anthony School and Religious Education students.  We also ask that at least one parent try to attend, but we understand work schedules may not allow.

General Schedule for the Day
8:15am Mass in the Church
Morning Session with presentations and keepsake craft
Lunch and Break
Afternoon Session with rehearsal and Adoration 
2:30-2:45 pm Closing and pack up for the day
Parents may take their students home along with any siblings. 

Retreat RSVP form for Parents: Due April 15
 

Sunday, May 5: First Holy Communion Mass, 1:30pm

This Mass is separate from our regular weekend Masses. Family and friends are warmly encouraged to attend the Mass, as there will be plenty of room! 

• 12:30 pm: Professional photography available (more info to come)

•  1:10 pm: All children need to be present in the Fr. Barry England Room in the church. 

• Dress Code for Girls: Traditional white dress, low heel formal shoes, shoulders covered. Gloves and accessories are allowed but cannot be worn during Mass. 

• Dress Code for Boys: dress pants, white shirt, (tie and suit jacket are optional), dress shoes. No tennis shoes allowed. 

• Up to two parents or adults may receive Communion along with each First Communicant. They will sit in the reserved pews with the children, separate from the rest of the Congregation. If both parents choose this option, they will need to make arrangements for siblings to sit with family or friends. 

Please note this is an extra Sunday Mass outside of our normal schedule specifically for the celebration of First Holy Communion. 

If you have any questions, please contact us - we're here to help!

Alycia Valentiny, Director of Religious Education
574-282-2308, ext. 206
avalentiny@stasb.org

Betsy Williams
Formation Coordinator
574-233-7169
bwilliams@stasb.org