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

                 First Reconciliation Preparation Calendar- 2021

               October 18                    Parent Orientation (required)     Social Hall          7:00-7:30 PM
     or
               October 26                    Parent Orientation (required)     Social Hall         7:00-7:30 PM
               November 6                  Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
               November 13                Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
               November 20                Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
               December 11                Sacrament of Reconciliation      Church              10:00 AM
                                                       Brunch                                        Social Hall        following service

               First Communion Preparation Calendar - 2022
              March 7, 2022               Parent Orientation (required)     Social Hall          7:00-7:30 PM
    or
              March 15, 2022              Parent Orientation (required)      Social Hall         7:00-7:30 PM
              March 26, 2022              Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
              April 2, 2022                  Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
              April 9, 2022                  Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45 AM-12:30 PM
              April 27, 2022                 Rehearsal/Pictures                     Church              6:00 – 8:00 PM
              May 7/8, 2022                First Communion Mass               Church                          All Masses  
                                                         Receptions following Mass in the Social Hall