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- 2023

              October 4                      Parent Orientation (required)    Classroom 2         6:30 -7:00 pm
                or  
              October 17                    Parent Orientation (required)     Social Hall          7:00-7:30 PM
               October 28                    Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
               November 4                  Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
               November 18                Parent/Child session                  Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
               December 9                  Sacrament of Reconciliation      Church              10:00 AM
                                                       Brunch                                           Social Hall        following service 

   First Communion Preparation Calendar - 2024
              Feb. 25, 2024               Parent Orientation (required)     Classroom 2     1:00-1:30 PM
                     or
             Feb. 27, 2024               Parent Orientation (required)     Social Hall          7:00-7:30 PM

              March 2, 2024               Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
              March 9, 2024              Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45-11:00 AM
              March 23, 2024             Parent/Child session                   Parish Center    8:45 AM-12:30 PM
              April 24, 2024                Rehearsal/Pictures                      Church                6:00 – 8:00 PM
              May 11/12, 2024          First Communion Mass               Church                  All Masses  
                                                       Receptions following Mass in the Social Hall