The Sacrament of First Eucharist (also known as First Communion) is an important rite for Catholic families and individuals. Holy Communion is the third of seven sacraments received. It occurs only after receiving Baptism and the sacrament of Penance and once the person has reached the age of discretion—second grade (and up) in our diocese. Due to the complementary nature of First Penance and First Eucharist, the Sacramental Prep program takes place over the school year. In the fall, we prepare and celebrate First Penance, and in the spring, we prepare for and celebrate First Eucharist. To build a foundation for these sacraments, we ask that children participate in a formation program one year prior (e.g. first grade) either through a Catholic school or the Faith Formation program at Holy Cross.
Penance
The Sacrament of Penance is a sacrament in which the priest, as an agent of God, forgives sins committed after Baptism, when the sinner is heartily sorry for them, sincerely confesses them, and is willing to make satisfaction for them. The Sacrament of Penance is also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession.
Eucharist
The Church calls the Eucharist, "the source and summit of the Christian Life” (CCC 1324). On the last night of Jesus’ life, having his final meal with the Apostles, Jesus’ dying gift is to give himself, hidden in the appearance of bread and wine. The Apostles and early Church did not see this act as a figurative expression, but Jesus meant it literally. Every Mass, at the priest’s prayers of consecration, we believe that that bread is actually changed into the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is why the Eucharist is so important. It is God himself.
Preparing for the Sacraments
What is Sacramental Prep?
In the Diocese of Syracuse, preparation and celebration for the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist typically takes place during second grade (and up), with children “having attained the age of discretion” and, “children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time” (CCC #1457). A prerequisite to First Penance and First Eucharist prepartion is that students attend a Catholic school or participate in a Faith Formation program the year prior to preparation (e.g. first grade) and during the year of preparation (e.g. second grade).
Following Diocesan and Holy Cross requirements as set out by the Bishop and our pastor, Sacramental Prep at Holy Cross includes…
- Children regularly participate and attend Sunday Mass with his/her parent(s).
- Active participation in Faith Formation program or Catholic school
- Workbook Lessons (one workbook per sacrament) taught at home, reinforced and supported with parish workshops and activities.
- Parent and Children’s Workshops
First Penance is celebrated mid-November
First Eucharist is celebrated late-April, early-May.
Calendar
When the 2024-2025 Sacramental Prep calendar is finalized, it will be available here.
Baptismal Certificate
Your child’s baptismal certificate must be on file at Holy Cross prior to receiving their sacraments. If your child was baptized at a church other than Holy Cross and you have not previously provided it to Holy Cross, please submit it as soon as possible.
Registration Info
Registration for First Penance and First Eucharist Prep 2024-2025 is now open . Use this link or the button below to open the registration form. If you have a question about registering for Sacramental Prep, please contact Julie Sheridan at julie@holycrossdewitt.org.
The Sacramental Prep program fee is $125 per student. Program fees help offset program costs like food, supplies, activities, and materials. No one will be excluded from participating due to finances. If you have a question about financial aid, please contact Fr. Kurgan via the parish office at (315) 446-0473.
*If your child is not enrolled in a Catholic school or Faith Formation program yet, please also register for Faith Formation.*
The registration deadline is September 10, 2023.