Eucharist and Reconciliation

1st Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion

PREPARATION FOR CHILDREN

Who should register?
Typically, Catholic children prepare and receive 1st Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion in Grade 2. All parish children who are Catholic in Grade 2 should register for this sacramental preparation, including students from St. Mary’s School, St. Mary’s Parish School of Religion, St. Mary’s parishioners attending another Catholic school, and home-schooled 2nd graders.

How do I register my child?
First, you will need to register your child for our CCD program, unless they are a student at our parish school. Once enrolled, you will receive further info on how (and when) to submit your child’s sacrament prep registration forms. Please note that our Sacrament Prep programs are very much integrated and linked with our CCD program.

What if my child is past Grade 2 but has not received these sacraments?
We understand that many children who were meant to receive First Communion during the COVID-19 pandemic may have fallen behind. Your child is still welcome and will be able to prepare and receive First Communion! Please contact the Parish Coordinator of Religious Education at 301-627-3255 or [email protected].

What if my child is not Catholic: If your child is not Catholic, he or she is not required to register for this preparation program, since he or she is not eligible to receive these sacraments. If you are interested in your child becoming Catholic, please contact the Parish Coordinator for Religious Education at [email protected]. or 301-627-3255.

What is preparation like?
At St. Mary of the Assumption, we prepare children to receive sacraments through a combination of classroom instruction (be it at our parish school, or through our CCD program, click here for more information on that), and a retreat for each sacrament! If you would like your child to prepare for First Communion, please make sure you register them for CCD first, where you will get all the information needed to help them (and help YOU help them) to prepare!

What is required during sacramental preparation? 

First, you must register your child for our Religious Education classes (CCD), unless your child is already registered at our parish school. You will then receive, either at a parent meeting or through a packet sent home with your child, all the info to help you get them prepared, to include registration forms. In addition to preparation in the classroom, all students preparing for these sacraments are required to participate in two retreats. At least one parent or guardian is required to attend with the student. Parents are also expected to provide support and reinforcement for their child’s formation at home.

Parent Meeting for 1st Eucharist and Reconciliation Preparation: 
(Year 2023-2024 Information)

Meeting with parents is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 at 6:45 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Multi-Purpose Room.   At least one parent must attend.  More information and a calendar of dates for 1st Reconciliation/1st Holy Communion and the two retreats will be given out at this meeting.

Items Due on Sept. 26, 2023:  

1. Registration form fully completed (you may submit digitally or the hardcopy received in your child’s folder);
2. Registration Fee of $25.00 per child payable to “St. Mary of the Assumption Church”. Please do not combine this Registration Fee with other school payments; and
3. A copy of Baptismal Certificate is required if your child was not baptized at St. Mary of the Assumption or has not previously provided a copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate to School of Religion/CCD.  Baptismal Certificates can be obtained from your child’s Church of Baptism. 

Due Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023: (Year 2023-2024 Information)

For those who are registered at parishes other than St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, you and your Pastor must complete the form called:  PERMISSION TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT AND SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION AT ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION (2nd page of registration form).  It must be returned by TUESDAY, Sept. 26, 2023 to St. Mary’s School 2nd Grade Religion teacher or 2nd Grade School of Religion/CCD teacher.  It can also be dropped off or mailed to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish Office – RE: First Communion Registration.

We strongly prefer that you email all (non-online) copies and forms Coordinator of Religious Education, Mr. Philippe Monfiston at [email protected].

If you need any help or have any questions, please contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Mr. Philippe Monfiston at 301-627-3255  or email [email protected].

Click here to register your child for CCD  (Online Form)

Download the CCD PDF Registration Form  (Print or Email)

Click here to register your child for Penance and 1st Communion (Online Form)

Download the Penance and 1st Communion PDF Form (Print or Email)

Download the Penance and 1st Communion Word .doc Form (Print or Email)

We strongly prefer that you email all (non-online) copies and forms Coordinator of Religious Education, Mr. Philippe Monfiston at [email protected].