First Holy Communion and Reconciliation Information

DIOCESAN POLICY

In a recent communication from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, we were given the required Diocesan policies for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. St. Andrew's is in compliance with these general principles and policies that have been mandated. Participation in the sacraments is a shared responsibility of parents, catechists, and the church itself, which is the assembly of believers united in Christ. The following is a general overview of how this process occurs within our parish. In the event that your young person has not completed preparation and/or received a particular sacrament, and you are concerned, you should contact the assigned coordinator. It is your responsibility to contact these individuals for further instructions.

FIRST RECONCILIATION and FIRST HOLY COMMUNION - Children preparing for these sacraments should be concurrently enrolled in Sunday morning Christian Formation, or at Roanoke Catholic School. Preparation for sacraments is offered in addition to the above mentioned faith formation. Please see Christian Formation calendar for specific dates. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church "Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time." (CCC 1457) Readiness for children to begin preparation for these sacraments is determined in part by:        

(For Reconciliation)

• Has been baptized
• Has reached the age of reason (7 years old)
• Can distinguish between right and wrong
• Can distinguish between mistakes and accidents
• Is able to express sorrow for sin
• Has the ability to forgive others
• Prays at home and at Mass
• Is able to relate to Jesus as one who forgives

(For First Holy Communion)

• Has been baptized
• Has reached the age of reason (7 years old)
• Is interested in receiving the sacrament
• Feels like they belong to the Catholic community
• Participates in Sunday Mass
• Prays at home and at Mass
• Has the ability to relate to Jesus as one who loves
• Has prepared for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Roanoke Catholic School or Home School REGISTRATION
St. Andrew's Christian Formation REGISTRATION

For those who prefer the paper form, please click HERE.

Our goal is to have sacramental preparation classes "in person" this fall, following our Diocesan guidelines
for gathering during this time of COVID-19.  More details to follow.

To register for Confirmation and YOSAR please click HERE.

As of now, it is our plan to hold SAFE, APPROPRIATE, and RESPONSIBLE  
sacramental preparation classes in person on the following dates. 
Please stay tuned to this page for any changes to this plan.

First Reconciliation Preparation Calendar- 2020
October 19                    Parent Orientation (required)      Social Hall         7:00-7:30 PM
     or
October 27                     Parent Orientation (required)     Social Hall          7:00-7:30 PM
October 31                     Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
November 14                Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
November 21                 Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
December 5                   Sacrament of Reconciliation      Church              10:00 AM
                                      Brunch (possible, TBA)              Social Hall          following service
 
 
First Communion Preparation Calendar - 2021
March 1, 2021                Parent Orientation (required)     Social Hall          7:00-7:30 PM
    or
March 8, 2021                Parent Orientation (required)      Social Hall         7:00-7:30 PM
March 20, 2021              Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
March 27, 2021              Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
April 17, 2021                Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45 AM-12:30 PM
April 28, 2021                 Rehearsal/Pictures                     Church              6:00 – 8:00 PM
May 8/9, 2021                First Communion Mass               Church                          All Masses  
                                       Receptions following Mass in the Social Hall