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). Please contact Mr. James Sarkis for more information.

First Penance and Holy Communion Program Structure

There will be two parent meetings for parents to attend and two workshops for the children to attend (with at least one parent present). First Penance will be celebrated in February. Prior to the celebration of First Holy Communion there will be a mandatory rehearsal for the children and at least one parent to attend. We ordinaly offer the choice of two dates for your child's First Holy Communion Mass with a signup offered during the First Holy Communion workshop in the spring.

Registration Fee

There is a $60 per child registration fee for First Holy Communion preparation. This fee covers curriculum, workshop materials, and a gift.  

Payment Options for Registration Fee

• Pay Online -- Click here to pay by credit card or bank draft.
• Pay by mail -- Mail check to St. Patrick Faith Formation Office, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, NC 28203.
• Cash or Check -- Payment can be dropped off at the parish office during our office hours.

Registration