First Penance & Holy Communion
Families of children preparing to celebrate First Holy Communion must be registered and active members of a Catholic parish, and the child must be baptized in the Catholic Church. Families must be able to present the child's Baptismal certificate prior to the child receiving the Sacrament. It is possible for children who are not parishioners of the Cathedral to receive their First Holy Communion at Saint Patrick's if the parents are able to provide verification that they're registered members of a Catholic parish within the diocese, and if the pastor of that parish provides us with written permission.
Children who would like to receive the Sacraments of First Penance and Holy Communion must have attended an approved religious education program in either a parish, Catholic school or approved home school program with regular attendance for two years prior to reception of the Sacrament (this means that the child should have attended first grade formation last year and then will participate in second grade formation this year). For children who are older than the traditional preparation grade for the Sacrament, as well as those who are entering the second grade but have little to no Faith Formation background, special arrangements can be made through the Faith Formation office for the child to participate in RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children).
First Penance and Holy Communion Program Structure
Registration Fee
There is a $60 per child registration fee for First Holy Communion preparation. This fee covers curriculum, workshop materials, and a gift.
