First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation
If your child will be receiving First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation during this school year, they must be registered for sacramental preparation.
Homeschooling families (not enrolled in Saint Agnes Family Catechesis) should complete the Sacramental Preparation Registration Form below.
Families enrolled in Saint Agnes Family Catechesis should register through the Family Catechesis page, which includes a separate registration form.
If you have any questions, please contact familycatechesis@churchofsaintagnes.org.
Registration
Parents are the primary educators of their children in the Catholic faith, whether their children attend Saint Agnes School, participate in Family Catechesis, or are homeschooled. The parish's role is to support parents in this sacred responsibility.
Children preparing to receive the sacraments must be enrolled in one of the following programs:
Saint Agnes School
Saint Agnes Family Catechesis (register here)
Saint Agnes Homeschool Sacramental Preparation (register here or below)
Please note that you may need to click through multiple pages of the registration form to answer all questions and complete the registration process.
Registration for First Holy Communion and Confirmation will open at a later date and will require separate sacramental registration forms.
All families preparing a child for First Holy Communion or Confirmation must complete both their program registration (Family Catechesis or Homeschool Sacramental Preparation) and the appropriate sacramental registration form.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion at the Church of Saint Agnes
Following the encouragement of Pope St. Pius X, children ordinarily receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion after reaching the age of reason, typically around seven years of age (second grade).
Readiness for the sacraments is determined not only by age but also by the child's understanding of:
sin and repentance,
the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and
the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
Parents play an essential role in discerning their child's readiness.
First Reconciliation is celebrated before First Holy Communion, which takes place in May.
Saint Agnes offers First Holy Communion in both the:
Ordinary Form (English)
Extraordinary Form (Latin, 1962 Missal)
Preparation is the same for both forms. Families will be asked later in the year which form they wish their child to receive.
First Reconciliation will be made prior to First Holy Communion, which is scheduled in May.
Family Catechesis Requirements
Students preparing through Family Catechesis must:
Be enrolled in Family Catechesis during both 1st and 2nd grade.
Attend monthly Family Catechesis sessions.
Attend the required First Reconciliation class on March 17, 2027.
Attend the required First Reconciliation retreat on March 20, 2027.
Celebrate First Reconciliation before May 8, 2027.
Attend the First Holy Communion class and rehearsal on May 5, 2027.
Homeschool Requirements
Students preparing through homeschooling must:
Register for the Sacramental Preparation Program.
Attend the required First Reconciliation class on March 17, 2027.
Attend the required First Reconciliation retreat on March 20, 2027.
Celebrate First Reconciliation before May 8, 2027.
Attend the First Holy Communion class and rehearsal on May 5, 2027.
Confirmation at the Church of Saint Agnes
Saint Agnes ordinarily celebrates Confirmation during the student's eighth-grade year, following the tradition of the Archdiocese.
Family Catechesis Requirements
Students preparing through Family Catechesis must:
Be enrolled in Family Catechesis during 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
Attend monthly Family Catechesis sessions.
Attend the Gifts of the Holy Spirit presentation on January 20, 2027.
Complete the Confirmation Saint project by January 27, 2027.
Complete the Confirmation interview with a parish priest by January 27, 2027.
Complete the required service hours by January 27, 2027.
Complete the required sponsor meetings by January 27, 2027.
Pass the Confirmation examination on February 4, 2027 (make-up testing will be held on February 10, 2027).
Homeschool Requirements
Students preparing through homeschooling must:
Register for the Sacramental Preparation Program.
Attend the Gifts of the Holy Spirit presentation on January 20, 2027.
Complete the Confirmation Saint project by January 27, 2027.
Complete the Confirmation interview with a parish priest by January 27, 2027.
Complete the required service hours by January 27, 2027.
Complete the required sponsor meetings by January 27, 2027.
Pass the Confirmation examination on February 4, 2027 (make-up testing will be held on February 10, 2027).
Curriculum for Homeschool Families:
Homeschooling families are asked to prepare their children using one of the following approved religion curricula:
The Didache Series
New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (Books One & Two)
New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism
Seton Religion
Faith and Life
Image of God
Our Holy Faith (TAN Books)
Formed in Christ (TAN Books / TAN Academy)
Spirit of Truth (Sophia Institute)
If you are using another curriculum, please contact the Family Catechesis Coordinator before registering.
Families Enrolled in Family Catechesis
Students enrolled in Family Catechesis use the New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism curriculum.
Preparation ordinarily consists of:
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion: 1st and 2nd grades
Confirmation: 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
Families enrolled in Family Catechesis will receive communication throughout the year regarding sacramental classes, required events, and important deadlines.
Students at Saint Agnes School
Students enrolled at Saint Agnes School receive sacramental preparation as part of the religion curriculum at the appropriate grade level.
In addition to classroom instruction, Saint Agnes clergy provide sacramental presentations throughout the year. School students also participate in the required sacramental retreats and, for Confirmation, complete the additional requirements outlined by the school religion teacher.
The school religion teacher coordinates sacramental registration and communicates all important dates and preparation requirements directly with parents.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Family Catechesis, sacramental preparation, or registration, please contact:
Mrs. Katie Marquardt
Family Catechesis Coordinator
Email: familycatechesis@churchofsaintagnes.org
You may also contact the parish office for additional assistance.
