… And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
God has given us a remarkable gift – the Eucharist. We are invited to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus into our own bodies, nourishing our souls and allowing us to become closer to Him.
About our Program
The First Holy Communion Program at our parish is a two year process. Year 1 is participation in our At-Home Religious Education Program. Year 2 is a traditional classroom Sacramental Preparation Program. Both years MUST be completed in order for the student to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.
Year 1 for 2nd to 8th Grade Students
Year 1 of First Eucharist involves our At-Home Faith Formation Program and begins when your child is in the second grade (or older). Grade appropriate workbooks are provided for your child to work on at home with your guidance and at your pace. Students receive credit for Year 1 of First Eucharist when they turn in the homework from the At-Home Faith Formation Program. Year 1 runs typically like an academic school year (from September to May).
Year 1 for High School Students
For students in 9th thru 12th grades who have not received the Sacrament of Holy Communion, there is no At-Home Religious Education Program. Instead, high school students are required to enroll and participate in our Life Teen High School Youth Ministry for ONE year with an 80% attendance BEFORE qualifying to register for Year 2 First Holy Communion preparation. For more information about Year 1 First Holy Communion for a high school student, please contact Danna P. Sullivan at (210) 695-8791, Ext. 109 OR via email at DPeaks@olghelotes.org.
Year 2 for 3rd thru 12th Grades
Year 2 of First Holy Communion is a more traditional classroom setting. Parents (or legal guardians) and the student MUST attend a monthly class during which the student receives Sacramental Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (First Confession) AND the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Students are grouped appropriately by academic grade levels. Year 2 First Holy Communion students are REQUIRED to attend a First Holy Communion Retreat. Families are encouraged to complete two faith-based activities during the program year.
The Year 2 First Holy Communion Class Schedule will be made available for printing AFTER August 2018.
Registration
Children and youth in grades Pre-K3 through 8th can register for continuing religious education, Year 1 and Year 2 of First Holy Communion. Registration will be held at the Parish Office on the following dates and times:
- Tuesday, May 29 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Thursday, May 31 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Tuesday, June 26 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Thursday, June 28 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Tuesday, July 17 from 10:00 Am to 4:00 PM
- Thursday, July 19 from 10:00 Am to 4:00 PM
- Sunday, July 22 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sunday, August 26 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – LAST DAY OF REGISTRATION!
If necessary, you may call the Religious Ed Department to REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT to register your child or youth for the 2018-2019 At-Home Program year. You MUST call at least ONE DAY in advance to make sure that a Religious Ed Staff Member will be available to meet with you.
These registration dates and times are for both the At-Home Faith Formation Program, Year 1 and Year 2 of the First Eucharist Program.
Registration Fees:
For At-Home & Year 1 First Holy Communion (High School, Life Teen fees apply)
$45 (one child)
$70 (two siblings)
$90 (three siblings)
$105 (four or more siblings)
For Year 2 First Eucharist Program
$70 (one child)
$120 (two siblings)
$150 (three siblings)
Questions? Please contact…
2nd to 5th Grade: Anna Alvarado at either (210) 695-8791, Ext. 114 OR AAlvarado@olghelotes.org
6th to 12th Grade: Danna P. Sullivan at either (210) 695-8791, Ext. 109 OR DPeaks@olghelotes.org.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child into the First Eucharist program. This is an important step in your child’s journey of faith and we would be so happy to be a part of it.