First Communion Information

Communion, or Eucharist, is first and formost Christ drawing near to us in the grace of sacrament.  When we bring our children to the Mass, we affirm our desire for them to grow in faith as Catholics.  As they grow older, it is natural for our children to develop a deep and loving relationship with Jesus.   At the Eucharist, we remember the great love of God and Jesus’ saving grace; His life, death and resurrection, which brings us new life. We give thanks for the grace of the sacrament and the promise of full unity with God.  At Mass, we offer God gifts of bread and wine. God returns our gifts of bread and wine as Jesus.  The Eucharist is truly a remarkable and special gift from our Lord.

Children at St. Joseph Catholic Church are prepared in Religious Education classes and by their parents. There is an expectation of good attendance in class, as well as regular Mass attendance. 
 

In order to participate in First Holy Eucharist in the Archdiocese of Chicago, a child over the age of 7 must first prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This means that "First Communion" classes really incorporate two sacraments:  the healing sacrament of Reconciliation and the community sacrament of First Communion.  

Prior to this very important year, children over the age of 7 must have recieved a good year of general instruction in their Catholic faith.  A "good year" means the child attends class regularly and seems generally prepared to move forward into the sacramental year.  He or she should have good knowledge of basic prayers, such as the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be.  

For more information regarding what is expected in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please vist the RE Reconciliation Information webpage.

FIRST COMMUNION FOR ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE CELEBRATED  ON SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 AT 10:00 AM.
ST. JOSEPH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STUDENTS WILL CELEBRATE THE SACRAMENT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018 AT THE ASSIGNED TIME OF 10:00 AM  OR 2:00 PM

Please be sure that the Faith Formation Office has
a copy of your child's baptismal certificate by October 1, 2017.
Your child's name will be printed on their First Communion certificate as it appears on their baptismal certificate.   If you prefer something different please complete and return:
First Communion Information Sheet.