• First Reconciliation & First Communion Registration 2025-2026

    For Catholic School and Homeschool Students
  • General Information

  • *All candidates for First Communion must participate in consistent religious education, in addition to our required retreats. Candidates should be enrolled in a Catholic school, complete a Catholic religious education curriculum at home, or attend St. Mary of the Mills Kids Ministry. 

  • *At St. Mary of the Mills, candidates for First Communion should be at least in 2nd grade, as determined by the child's age-based grade level. 

    Please contact Ali Poteet at apoteet@stmaryofthemills.org with questions.

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  • *Maiden name is required for the recording sacraments.

  • *Families who are not registered at St. Mary of the Mills or who reside outside our parish boundaries must provide a letter of permission from the pastor of their home parish to receive First Communion at St. Mary's.

  • Sacramental Information

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  • Medical Information

  • For the safety of all, it is important that you identify any health conditions and other needs that may impact your child during our sacramental retreats and events. This confidential information is only used to keep our candidates safe and best serve your child.

    The parish will take reasonable care to ensure that the following information will be held in confidence.

  • Emergency Contact

  • Publicity Release

    First Reconciliation and First Communion 2025-2026
  • Publicity Release Form

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    Parish Sacramental Preparation

     

    St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Washington have opportunities throughout the year to promote Catholic faith formation through news stories in radio, TV, print and electronic media.

    Permission is hereby granted St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Washington to use the voice/audio recordings, photographs, video and quotations of my child to assist in community awareness, educational efforts and related public relations purposes, including media coverage of parish events and activities and public relations/advertising that may include brochures, posters, print, radio, internet, TV or any other electronic media.

    In exchange for the opportunity to participate in the community awareness programs, educational effort and related publicity endeavors of St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Washington, I hereby, agree to release and hold harmless St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Washington and their agents, servants and employees from any and all claims, demands, causes of action and/or liability of whatever kind or nature arising out of or connected to the use of said voice/audio recordings, photographs, video and quotations.

    I hereby waive any right to compensation, fee or royalty for myself, the participant/student or our successors, heirs or assigns in connection with the production or use of the aforesaid materials.

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    First Reconciliation and First Communion 2025-2026
  • As parent and/or legal guardian, I remain legally responsible for any personal actions taken by the above named minor (“participant”). I agree on behalf of myself, my child or children) named herein, or our heirs, successors, and assigns, to hold harmless and defend St. Mary of the Mills it’s officers, directors, employees and agents, and the Archdiocese of Washington, its employees and agents, chaperons, or representatives associated with the event, from any claim arising from or in connection with my child attending the event or in connection with any illness or injury (including death) or cost of medical treatment in connection therewith, and I agree to compensate the parish, its officers, directors and agents, and the Archdiocese of Washington, its employees and agents and chaperons, or representative associated with the event for reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses which may incur in any action brought against them as a result of such injury or damage, unless such claim arises from the negligence of the parish/diocese.

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  • Sacramental Preparation Commitment

    For First Reconciliation and First Communion
  • We are grateful for your family at St. Mary of the Mills!

    The journey toward First Reconciliation and First Communion is a shared experience between our parish, our staff and volunteers, your child, and you as a parent/guardian.

    As we partner with you, we ask for your commitment to the following:

     

    Religious Education

    All candidates for First Communion must participate in consistent religious education, in addition to our required retreats. Candidates should be enrolled in a Catholic school, complete a Catholic religious education curriculum at home, or attend St. Mary of the Mills Kids Ministry.

     

    Punctuality and Attendance

    I understand the importance of my child’s consistent participation in religious education and sacramental preparation, including attending two required parent-child retreats. We will arrive promptly and participate actively.

    If my child is absent, he/she may need to complete additional work at home or delay preparation until the following year. 

     

    Technology

    I understand that my child should only bring materials needed for our retreats and events. Cell phones, AirPods, iPads, video games, and similar devices are not permitted.


    Dress and Modesty

    I understand that my child should dress appropriately and modestly for sacramental retreats and events. Clothing should not be too short or revealing (e.g., no midriff tops, low-cut shirts, or miniskirts) and should not display inappropriate words or images. Hoods should not be worn. Clothing should not distract from participation, or the sacred nature of sacramental preparation.

     

    Virtue and Discipline

    Parish staff and volunteers strive to create a safe, respectful, and Christ-centered environment where every child can grow in faith and friendship.

    I will support the expectation that my child treats others with kindness, respects catechists and classmates, stewards materials and parish facilities responsibly, follows directions, and participates in a way that fosters learning and prayer.

    I understand that if my child struggles with behavior, the catechist or program leader will provide gentle guidance. If the behavior persists, I will be asked to help support my child. Serious or repeated disruptions may lead to a meeting with the coordinator to determine the best path forward.


    Communication

    I understand that clear communication between families and program staff is essential. I will regularly check and respond to emails from the program and reach out to leaders if I have concerns or if there are specific ways the parish can support my child or family.


    Fostering Faith at Home

    I will help my child grow in their faith by encouraging regular prayer, attending Mass weekly as a family, and discussing the lessons learned during religious education and sacramental preparation.


    I recognize that parish sacramental preparation is an extension of the faith formation taking place at home and will actively support my child’s spiritual journey as they prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion.

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