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.
 
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 10 or 27 – Signs of Grace: You are Forgiven - Episodes 1-3
• November 7 or 17 – Signs of Grace: You are Forgiven – Episodes 4-5
• February 13 or 23 – Signs of Grace: You are Loved – Episodes 1-4
• March 6 or 16  – 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 28 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.

 2025 First Communion Mass will be celebrated at Saturday, May 3rd at 11am.

 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