First Penance and First Holy Communion
Sacrament preparation at the Cathedral of St. Patrick is a two-year process. Preparation for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion typically begins when a child enters the first grade and continues until the spring of second grade.
Children may receive preparation through the catholic school, our parish Faith Formation program or an approved home school program.
As a rule, First Communion occurs after the age of 7, the customary “age of reason”. Hence, children receiving First Holy Communion must be 7 years of age by the end of the final month of the school year (June). Parents and children are required to attend weekly Sunday Mass and preparation classes. This preparation is IN ADDITION TO the religious education your child is receiving through our parish's Faith Formation program or in their Catholic school or approved homeschool program. Preparation includes two (2) required parent meeting and two (2) required workshops for parents and children. A $60 materials fee per student is payable with online registration.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age 7+ and registered and active in our parish community
- Baptized (must provide child's baptismal certificate - email copy here) faithformation@stpatricks.org
- Completed religious education last year (2023-2024 school year) in our parish faith formation program or by attending Catholic school (diocese requirement)
- Currently enrolled in religious education (2024-2025 school year) in our parish faith formation program or attending Catholic school (diocese requirement)
Faith Formation Office
1621 Dilworth Road East
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (704) 334-2283
Fax: (704) 377-6403
