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This fall, Holy Trinity invites families to begin preparing their children for two sacraments that will shape their Catholic lives: Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
Baptism begins a child’s life in the Church. First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are the next important steps for many Catholic children, one introduces them to the mercy of God, while the other brings them to the Eucharistic table.
First Reconciliation is a child’s first personal encounter with the sacrament of God’s mercy and forgiveness. It is not a test, and it is not meant to make a child afraid. Rather, it teaches a simple Christian habit: look honestly at our lives, tell the truth, receive forgiveness and begin again.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers Catholics the opportunity to return to God, receive his mercy and begin again. For children, it is an important first lesson that God’s mercy is always available when we turn back to him.
First Holy Communion is when a child receives Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is not simply a symbol. It is Christ giving himself to us as spiritual food.
For children, First Communion is often a moment they remember for the rest of their lives: the dress or suit, family gathered in the pews, and the quiet walk forward to receive Communion for the first time. Beneath the celebration, however, is the same mystery the entire parish celebrates every Sunday: we do not simply learn about Christ. We receive him.
At Holy Trinity, preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is offered together for children in Grades 2–4. Children remain in the same class and at the same time for preparation for both sacraments.
“Classes are for kids only. Class sizes are limited to 25 per class,” says Jeri Wilson, Holy Trinity’s Sacramental Preparation Coordinator and Catechist.
Classes meet approximately twice a month, with six in-person classes for First Reconciliation from September to December, followed by eight classes from January to April for First Holy Communion.
First Reconciliation classes begin the week of September 21, 2026, with the celebration of the sacrament scheduled for December 12, 2026.
First Communion classes begin the week of January 5, 2027, with celebrations scheduled for April 18 and April 25, 2027. Children will be assigned to one of the two Masses based on school.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend one of two information nights. Children do not need to attend.
The information nights will provide an overview of the program, expectations and schedule, as well as instructions for joining Flocknote.
There are two steps to registration. Families must first submit the completed registration/PIPA form, baptism certificate if required, and the $50 program fee. Once the registration package has been received, families will receive instructions for joining the 2026–27 First Reconciliation & Holy Communion Flocknote group.
Class sign-up opens Wednesday, September 16 at approximately 9:00 a.m. through Flocknote.
“Registration is not complete until families sign their child up for a class which is done via Flocknote,” Wilson says.
Only families who have submitted the complete registration package and joined the Flocknote group will be able to select a class.
Four class times are available:
Classes are held upstairs in the Catholic Women’s League Room, accessible through the east entrance by the Parish Hall.
Regular Mass attendance is also an important part of sacramental preparation. Holy Trinity highly encourages regular Mass attendance, with a minimum of eight Masses between October and April.
This year, Holy Trinity is introducing an at-home sacramental preparation program for youth in Grade 5 and older who have not yet received First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
The program gives older children and their families another way to prepare for these important sacraments.
Holy Trinity typically welcomes approximately 100 children to these sacramental celebrations each year.
For more information, contact Jeri Wilson, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator and Catechist, at [email protected] or 780-960-0135 ext. 112.
Details and registration forms are available at trinitycatholic.net/1st-communion.
