About our Program

Welcome to the First Reconciliation/First Eucharist Formation Program!  At Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the First Holy Communion Sacrament Preparation Program 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.

2nd to 8th Grade- Year 1 First Holy Communion Sacrament Preparation

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).

3rd thru 12th Grade- Year 2 First Holy Communion Sacrament Preparation

Year 2 of First Holy Communion is a more traditional classroom setting. Parents/Guardian 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. 

9th-12th Grade Students

For high school students 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. 

Registration

Registration for the 2020-2021 First Holy Communion Preparation Program is now closed.  Please contact Anna Alvarado at (210) 695-8791, Ext. 114 or email aalvarado@olghelotes.org to ask for an appointment if you have any questions.  

Program Fees

Year 1 First Holy Communion Preparation: $30 (one child)/$20 (for each additional sibling)

Year 2 First Holy Communion Preparation: $50 (per child)/$40 (per each additional sibling)

Homework

In preparation for the sacraments, in 2021 your child is asked to complete the following each month:

• Month of January:   Read Chapter 1-3.  Complete work on page 5 (My Baptism), page 15 (Celebrating at Church) and page 27 (Praising God at Home). Each chapter has assigned videos for reinforcement click here.

• Month of February:  Read Chapter 4-5. Complete work on page 37 (God’s Word Grows in You) and page 47 (My Gift)

• Month of March/April:  Read Chapter 6-7.  Complete work on page 57 (What Happens Next?), page 67 (Praying After Communion) and page 77 (God Message).  First Eucharist Masses will be in the month of April.  Dates and times are pending.

Submit all completed student work by attaching a photo or PDF scan by April 10, 2021 and email REOffice@olghelotes.org , be sure to include the following important information in your email 1.  Parent’s Full Name 2. Child’s Full Name & 3. Parent’s current email address. 

Once we receive your email with the above information and attachment, we will send you Certificate of Completion for your records. If your contact information has changed since registration please click here to update our office.  

Questions? Please contact…

Anna Alvarado at either (210) 695-8791, Ext. 114 OR AAlvarado@olghelotes.org

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to help ensure your safety and ours, please do not visit the parish office without an appointment.