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I want my child to receive First Communion, how do we go about this?
Children prepare for the sacraments of Frist Reconciliation and First Holy Communion typically starting in the First Grade (or at age 6). Children can begin preparation at any time after the first grade also, or after the age of 6 years old, see below for additional information for older children.In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, children are required to attend Catholic faith formation classes for a minimum of two consecutive years prior to receiving a sacrament. Our regular faith formation classes at St. Vincent de Paul Church for elementary school children (1st through 5th grade) who attend non-Catholic schools, are delivered through our Under Thy Roof program. Children who wish to receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion should be enrolled in our Under Thy Roof program. Learn more about our Under Thy Roof Program by clicking HERE.
Sign up for Under Thy Roof classes HERE.
How do I enroll my child in First Communion Preparation?
Simply complete the registration for Under Thy Roof online on our SVdP web site. On that registration you will indicate that your child needs to receive the sacraments. Those who have already completed one year of Under Thy Roof and who need the sacraments will be sent a link to enroll in the preparation program for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, this program is an additional charge.
What if my child attends Catholic School?
If your child attends Catholic School, other than St. Vincent de Paul, please contact Kim Muncy via email kmuncy@svdp-edu.org and ask to be put on the Sacramental Preparation list during the second year of preparation. The first year of faith formation will be provided by the Catholic School you are attending. When the link is sent out you will be included.
If your child attends St. Vincent de Paul we will send all parents a link to register for the second year “the immediate preparation” program. The charge for this preparation is included in your child’s school tuition.
What is the immediate preparation year, the second year of preparation?
In the beginning of the second year of Faith Formation, the “immediate preparation” year, parents will attend a parent meeting to learn more about the reception of the sacraments that year. First Reconciliation is received in the Winter of the second year and First Holy Communion is received in the Spring of the second year.
How do I enroll in Faith Formation Classes/Under Thy Roof Program?
When are the Under Thy Roof Classes?
All classes are parent led, at home, this enables you to have discussions on your families' schedule leaving time for coming to Mass on Sunday as a family.
Please read about our Under Thy Roof Program HERE.
What is First Reconciliation? Why must it precede First Holy Communion?
Reconciliation is also called Confession or Penance. It is the sacrament in which a person confesses their sins to a Jesus, though a priest, and receives absolution (forgiveness) for their sins. The Sacrament of Reconciliation helps prepare us to unite with Jesus, body and soul, in the Eucharist. Children receive First Reconciliation in the Winter and First Holy Communion in the Spring (during their second year of Under Thy Roof/Catholic School).
What age are children when they receive Communion for the first time?
Children must be a minimum of seven years of age or second grade to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time. Typically, this means that children will participate in Under Thy Roof/Catholic School in first grade and in second grade, in order to receive First Reconciliation in the Winter and First Communion in the Spring of their second-grade year.
My child is older than second grade. Can he/she still receive First Communion?
Yes. Usually there are several older children preparing to receive the sacraments for the first time.- 3rd through 5th grader, please contact Kim Muncy, kmuncy@svdp-edu.org
- 6th through 8th grader, please contact Laura Rivera, lrivera@svdp-edu.org
- High School, please contact Laura Rivera, lrivera@svdp-edu.org
What does the sacramental preparation contain?
Children in their second year of preparation, the year of “immediate preparation” who are preparing to receive the sacraments, will also participate in sacrament-specific preparation. This consists mainly of a parent meeting, a half day retreat and book (completed at home with parents) for EACH sacrament. This information will be given to parents at the beginning of their child's second year of preparation.
Do I need to be a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul to enroll in sacramental preparation?
Yes, being a parishioner is recommended. Officially becoming member of our parish is a relatively simply process – Sign up HERE .
Are there any volunteer opportunities? How do I volunteer?
Our programs are made possible by our faithful volunteers. Opportunities to help will be discussed during the parent meeting. Other parishioners who would like to volunteer – please complete this form.
Whom can I contact with further questions?
Please reach out to:
Kim Muncy
Coordinator of Children and Family Ministries
St. Vincent de Paul Parish
kmuncy@svdp-edu.org
713-663-3509