Church of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary
St. Stephen of Hungary School
Preparation for Sacraments of Initiation
First Communion (and First Penance) 2025-2026
Please read the following important information before submitting your child's name.
Christian Baptism is a pre-requisite for all other sacraments.
• Regular participation in Sunday Eucharist, Grades K-8 religious education or Catholic school, and involvement in parish life provide the context for sacramental preparation. The minimal requirement is for one year prior to the year of celebrating the sacraments and the year of celebrating the sacraments (normally first and second grade.) The minimum age for first communion is age seven.
• Parents must complete registration and provide a baptismal certificate for their children by the October prior to the reception of First Penance and First Communion. (For St. Stephen’s School students, the school handles the registration and baptismal certificates.) If the child’s baptism was in a denomination/rite other than Roman Catholic, a Profession of Faith and Reception into the Roman Catholic Church will need to be celebrated prior to reception of First Penance. Parents will need to meet with the pastoral associate in early fall to discern what preparation may be needed for this celebration.
• First penance is usually celebrated in December of second grade. First communion is usually celebrated in April or May of second grade.
• Those students enrolled in a Catholic School will receive their catechesis and the majority of their sacramental preparation in the school during their religion classes. Those who are older than second grade must contact the pastoral associate early in the school year to be included in sacramental preparation and reception.
• Those students in The Caedmon School have the option of receiving catechesis and the majority of their sacramental preparation through their school.
• Those students in any other schools are expected to be enrolled in, and regularly attending, the parish religious education program.
• Parents are involved in the sacramental preparation of their children. Material will be sent home to assist parents in this responsibility, and opportunities for parent and family catechesis in a group setting will be provided. At least one parent is asked to participate with their child in the fall first penance family retreat, and the spring First Communion family retreat.
2025-2026 Dates
o First Penance Family Retreat (fall)
o First Penance Liturgy (December)
o First Communion Family Retreat (spring)
• Contact Maryann Tyrer, Pastoral Associate, at mtyrer@stelmo79.org if you have questions or concerns regarding specific dates.