Updated 2/14/2026
Preparation for the Sacraments at St. Peter St. Joan of Arc Parish asks our parents to
walk hand in hand with their children as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of
Initiation. Parents are the primary educators in their children’s faith. The Catechism
states, “Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years…
Family catechesis precedes, accompanies and enriches other forms of instruction in the
faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their
vocation as children of God.” (#2226)
We encourage our families to enroll their child in Family Catechesis consistently,
age 3 through 8th grade. Here are the guidelines for youth and teens wishing to
receive the Sacraments of Baptism (if not done prior to the age of 7), First
Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.
FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION FOR
A CHILD BAPTIZED PRIOR TO AGE OF 7
A child must participate in 2 consecutive years of the St. Peter St. Joan of Arc Journey
with Christ program before receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First
Communion.
If a child has completed their first year of preparation at another Catholic School or
Parish Religious Education Program, that will count towards their two years of
preparation. A letter of verification of completion of the first year from that church will be
required.
If a child begins their religious formation in 2nd grade through 6th grade, the two years
of participation in the Journey with Christ program will still apply. The child, with the
parent’s support, may be asked to do additional assignments (and/ or attend retreats)
appropriate to their present age in their second year of participation.
First Reconciliation and First Communion will be received at the appropriate time in the
child’s second year of preparation.
The child would continue their journey to Confirmation by participating each year in the
Journey with Christ program, until the time of Confirmation.
