An Integrated Approach
At Stella Maris, preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion is offered via a single, integrated pathway that engages the whole family—with parents playing a critical role in accompanying their children toward the sacraments.
Registration is now open to all families with children who are ready to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and/or Eucharist for the first time. Generally, this happens between the ages of 7-9.
Families whose children do not attend St. Bernadette or St. Thomas More Schools are required to complete this pathway before their children receive the sacraments, so that they are adequately prepared and the sacraments may bear much fruit in their lives!
Families whose children do attend St. Bernadette or St. Thomas More Schools are encouraged (but not required) to engage in this whole-family formation process as a complement to the formation that their children receive during class time.
Mend
Fall: First Reconciliation
Each year in the fall, families and children prepare for their First Reconciliation. Stella Maris staff offer formation through the Mend program developed by Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries. Mend invites parents to reflect on their experience of Reconciliation and equips them to prepare their children to receive the sacrament via hands-on activities and meaningful conversations.
NOURISH
Winter/Spring: First Communion
Then, in the winter and spring, families and children prepare for their First Communion. Stella Maris staff accompany families during this time through the Nourish program by Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries. Nourish equips parents to help their children discover how the Mass relates to daily life and prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
2026-2027 Formation Schedule
First Reconciliation
Please note that at least 1 parent is required to attend all sessions.
- Sept 3, 2026 — Kickoff Meeting, 6:30-8:00PM
- Stievenard Hall @ St. Bernadette
- Sept 30, 2026 — At-Church Session, 6:30-8:00PM
- Stievenard Hall @ St. Bernadette
- Nov 14, 2026 — First Reconciliation Retreat, 9:30AM-12:00PM
- St. Thomas More
- Nov 17, 2026 — First Reconciliation, 6:30-8:00PM
- St. Thomas More
First Communion
Please note that at least 1 parent is required to attend all sessions.
- Jan 20, 2027 — Kickoff Meeting, 6:30-8:00PM
- Stievenard Hall @ St. Bernadette
- Mar 3, 2027 — At-Church Session, 6:30-8:00PM
- Stievenard Hall @ St. Bernadette
- Apr 17, 2027 — First Communion Retreat, 9:30AM-12:00PM
- St. Thomas More
- First Communion Rehearsal
- St. Bernadette — Apr 30, 2027, 6:30-7:30PM
- St. Thomas More — Apr 28, 2027, 6:30-7:30PM
- First Communion
- St. Peter — 8:30AM Mass on Apr 25, 2027
- St. Mary — 10:30AM Mass on Apr 25 2027
- St. Thomas More — 10:00AM Mass on May 2, 2027
- St. Bernadette — 11:00AM Mass on May 2, 2027
Registration closes August 19th, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you asking parents to attend sacramental preparation classes for their children?
Religious ed programs have traditionally not offered parents the opportunity to be a part of the religious education of their child at the Parish. Over time, it has become apparent that this model does not serve families best.
It is clear that parents play the most critical role in the faith formation of their children. The Catechism of the Catholic Church even states: “Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God.” (CCC 2226)
For this reason, our approach to forming children involves helping parents step into their role as their children’s primary teachers in the faith. The programs are designed to provide a simple and life-giving way for your whole family to grow in faith together, while your child becomes more and more disposed in mind and heart to receive the Sacraments. Come join us and see what abundant fruit this brings to you and your children!
What can I do to best prepare my children for the reception of the Sacraments?
The best way to prepare children for the reception of the Sacraments is to live a sacramental life at home. This includes regular Sunday Mass attendance, frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation, praying at home together as a family, and being involved in the life of the Parish. These are the best ways for your children to experience and see what living a sacramental life is like. During their 2nd and 8th grade years, there is special formation that takes place with their peers to prepare them for the reception of the Sacraments of First Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We do not want finances to affect your ability to participate in any of our offerings. If you need a discount or registration fees waived, please reach out to our Coordinator of Family Evangelization, Courtney Smalley at csmalley@stellamarisfamily.org.
Have questions?
Contact Courtney Smalley
Courtney Smalley is our coordinator of family evangelization. You can reach her at csmalley@stellamarisfamily.org.