First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
A Joyful Journey for Your Family
We are delighted to accompany your family as your child prepares to celebrate First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
These sacraments are much more than milestones. They are encounters with Jesus Christ and invitations to grow in faith as a family. Through this journey, children discover God's mercy in Reconciliation and Jesus' Real Presence in the Eucharist, while parents are invited to deepen their own relationship with the Lord. First Reconciliation is normally celebrated before First Holy Communion.
Whether your family attends Mass every Sunday or is returning to the Church after some time away, you are welcome here.
Who Can Register?
Children should:
· Be baptized Catholic.
· Normally be at least seven years old (Grade 2 or older).
· Be supported by a parent or guardian who is participating in the preparation journey.
All children—whether they attend Catholic school, public school, private school, or are homeschooled—must register for the parish sacramental preparation program. The immediate preparation for the sacraments is the responsibility of parents and the parish, with the support of our Catholic schools.
If your child was baptized outside Our Lady of Sorrows, a copy of the Baptism Certificate will be required.
What to Expect
Families begin by registering and attending a Teaching Mass together.
The Teaching Mass helps children and parents understand the meaning of the Mass and the Eucharist. Following the Mass, families receive their preparation materials and information about the year ahead.
Children then participate in parish preparation sessions and celebrate First Reconciliation before First Holy Communion. Throughout the year, parents are encouraged to continue faith conversations and prayer at home using the program resources provided.
Sunday Mass Matters
The Eucharist is at the heart of Catholic life. Children learn to understand and love the Mass by participating in it regularly with their family and parish community.
Preparation sessions take place on Sundays at 1:45 p.m. Families are encouraged to attend the 12:30 p.m. Mass before the session. This helps connect what children are learning directly to the celebration of the Eucharist and strengthens each family's connection to parish life.
Families are also encouraged to participate in Liturgy of the Word with Children, offered at the 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Masses. Through age-appropriate reflection on the Sunday readings, children are helped to listen to God's Word and participate more fully in the Mass.
Celebrating First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is celebrated during the Easter Season at our regular Sunday Masses: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Rather than holding separate First Communion ceremonies, children receive their First Holy Communion in small groups during our regular parish Masses.
We celebrate this way intentionally. First Holy Communion is not simply a special day—it is the beginning of a lifelong participation in the Sunday Eucharist. Celebrating within the regular worship of the parish helps children experience that they belong to a larger parish family gathered around the Lord's table each week.
Every Child Is Welcome
Every child is a beloved gift from God.
If your child has learning, developmental, behavioural, communication, sensory, physical, or other special needs, we would be honoured to accompany your family and adapt the preparation process as needed.
We also recognize that many families navigate shared parenting arrangements and busy schedules. Please let us know how we can best support your child.
"We registered because our son was preparing for First Communion. What surprised us was how much our whole family grew. Attending Mass together and talking about faith at home helped us reconnect with Jesus and our parish community."
— OLS Parent
Ready to Begin?
Questions? Contact firstcommunion@sorrows.ca
