First Communion
Primera Comunión

“The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.' 'The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself . . .’ (CCC 1322-1325).”

Traditionally children celebrate the sacrament of First Communion in the 2nd grade. Preparation is a two-year process. Typically children attend Religious Education in 1st grade and celebrate in 2nd grade. Children who are 2nd grade through 12th grade with no prior faith formation prepare to celebrate the sacrament through our RCIA Adapted for Children Program. RCIA Adapted for Children is a two-year process and includes parent participation.

The First Holy Communion Program at Santa Cruz requires children to attend Religious Education for two years.  The first year is grade-appropriate.  The second year is preparation for the sacraments.  Upon successful completion of the First Holy Communion programs and assessment, sacraments will be celebrated in May.  The following are our guidelines, in accordance with the Diocese of Austin, for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion:
 

• A copy of your child's baptismal certificate must be submitted to the office at the time of registration. 
• Parents are required to attend the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Guidelines Meeting (the date will be announced later). At this meeting, important dates for the year will be announced.
• Students are expected to attend class EVERY week. Students who miss 3 or more classes, and do not complete make-up work, will be asked to repeat the year.  It is the parent's responsibility to communicate with the RE Office when an absence occurs.
• Students are expected to attend Mass EVERY weekend with their families.  Participation in Mass is part of their faith formation.
• Students are required to know and recite the following prayers:  Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Act of Contrition.  These Prayers will all be part of the assessment done during the year. Copies of the prayers will be provided.