We know that preparing for First Eucharist or First Holy Communion is a very special time for your child.
 It is the time that they prepare to be fed at the table of the Lord for the first time.
 
At St. Patrick, the First Communion preparation is provided for all 2^nd grade children in our Faith Formation, Montini, or approved Home-schooling programs.  In order to be part of this preparation, your child needs to be co-enrolled in one of these programs beginning in 1st grade.
 
In addition to attending one of these programs, we prepare in this special time by having 4 classes with First Communicants and their parents.  For these classes, we use Signs of Grace by Augustine Institute as our guide.  We ask each family to be present at one of 2 of the following monthly classes:
 

• October 26 or 30 – Signs of Grace: You are Forgiven - Episodes 1-3
• November 20 or 23 – Signs of Grace: You are Forgiven – Episodes 4-5
• February 22 or 26 – Signs of Grace: You are Loved – Episodes 1-4
• March 12 or 22  – Signs of Grace:  You are Loved – Episodes 5-7

 
In addition to these 4 classes, we have planned a parent and student retreat which includes First Reconciliation and preparation for our First Communion Mass.  For this year, we plan to have this retreat on Saturday, April 25 from 9am-12pm. 

We are currently planning our First Communion Mass.  The date and time will be finalized once we have completed registration for our 2024-25 classes.  We generally hold First Communion on the first weekend in May.

 2026 First Communion Mass is TBA

 If you are looking to enroll in First Communion Preparation, please contact Lisa Johnson in the Religious Education office with any questions:  815-385-2959 or reoffice@stpatrickmchenry.org