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St. Mark Parish and School Celebrates 136 Years Serving the Catholic Faithful

First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Preparation

Dear Parents,

Welcome to this special year in your child’s faith journey! As your child prepares to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, we join you in celebrating this important step in their relationship with Jesus and the Church.

This year, your child will grow in understanding of God’s mercy, love, and presence in the Eucharist. Our program is designed to support you—the first teachers of the faith—by providing resources, guidance, and opportunities for prayer and formation.

We ask for your full participation and encouragement throughout this journey. Please review the guidelines and calendar in this packet carefully. We look forward to working with you in helping your child prepare for these beautiful sacraments.

In Christ,

Fr. Santhosh George, O.SS.T.
Pastor

  • Parent Requirements Checklist

    • Submit a copy of your child’s Catholic baptismal certificate (if not baptized at St. Mark).
    • Complete the Sacramental Preparation Registration Form.
    • Attend scheduled parent meetings for First Reconciliation and First Communion.
    • Ensure your child attends Faith Formation classes or is enrolled at St. Mark School.
    • Assist your child with at-home preparation using the provided catechetical materials.
    • Encourage your child to participate in Sunday Mass each week.
    • Participate in the First Reconciliation retreat/practice session.
    • Participate in the First Communion rehearsal and retreat.

  • Program Guidelines

     

    • All baptized children are welcome to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Please Note: If your child is not baptized Christian, please contact the Parish Main Office at 410-747-3182
    • Children must complete at least two years of formal religious education before receiving the sacraments.
    • Attendance at weekly classes (parish or school) is required.
    • Parents are expected to participate in formation meetings and retreats.
    • All children must celebrate First Reconciliation before receiving First Communion.
    • Families are encouraged to model faith by regular participation in Sunday Mass and parish life.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When do children usually begin preparation?

    Typically in 2nd grade, though older children are welcome anytime.

  • Do children need to attend both parish faith formation and the school?

    Both prepare through parish sessions. All families join together for retreats and celebration.

  • What if my child has special needs?

    We adapt preparation to meet the needs of each child so they can fully experience God’s grace.

  • Can a homeschooled child prepare here?

    Yes, we work with homeschooled families to ensure readiness.

  • Which sessions are required to attend?

    We encourage every family to attend all of the dates listed. For parent meetings and workshops that are offered on multiple dates, families should attend one of the available sessions. For example, parents should attend either the Sunday or the Monday First Communion Parent Meeting, not both.

    You can choose which sessions you want to attend when you fill out the registration form.

  • Does my child need to participate in Faith Formation and the Sacramental Preparation program?

    Yes, each child is required to complete two full years of Faith Formation before receiving the sacraments.

    At least one year of Faith Formation must be completed before enrolling in this program, the second year of Faith Formation must be completed simultaneously while enrolled in the First Reconciliation and First Communion sacramental preparation program.

    If your child attends a Catholic school, this will fulfill a year of Faith Formation. 

Registration Form

Please fill out the form by clicking on the button below:

First Communion Registration Form

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