The process to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two-year process that may begin in 1st grade:
Year 1 ~ Children must complete one year of Faith Formation or Catholic School religious education (usually in 1st or 2nd grade). Choose ONLY the Faith Formation Year 1 program when registering. There is no Sacrament Prep registration or fee for the first year.
Year 2 ~ Children must complete a second year of Faith Formation or Catholic School religious education (usually in 2nd or 3rd grade). During the second year, the candidate’s family is also required to participate in 2 parent meetings, 1 child/parent First Communion retreat, and a rehearsal for First Holy Communion. This year requires registration and fees for both Faith Formation Year 2 program AND the First Communion Sacramental Preparation program (with sacrament prep fee).
Children cannot receive these Sacraments until they are in the second grade.
Is your child approaching adolescence and ready to take a stronger role in their faith? Confirmation empowers them to do just that. Considered a milestone in the Catholic faith, Confirmation strengthens the foundation laid in Baptism and equips them with the Holy Spirit's gifts. This is their chance to make a conscious choice about their faith journey and become a full member of the Catholic community. It's a meaningful step that supports their spiritual growth and fosters a lifelong connection to the Church.
Confirmation Schedule: 1st and 3rd Sundays 12 pm - 1:30 pm
All 7th through 12th graders who have received First Holy Communion and Reconciliation are eligible for Confirmation. Requirements for Confirmation candidates include:
To begin the process, your student will register for (1) the Sacramental Prep program for Confirmation, and (2) a Youth Ministry program (EDGE for 6-8th graders or theIntersection for 9th-12th graders).
High schoolers who are not baptized may join our Adult OCIA program.
Youth Retreat AWAKENING: Into the Bible Verse, March 8-10, 2024 information and registration are here.
OCIC is a faith formation program for children who have not been baptized and are 7+ years old; or for older youth who have been baptized but who are still in need of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
OCIC enables your children in grades 4 through 8 to enter into a relationship with the living God and share in the life of their identity as Catholics. High schoolers who are not baptized may join our Adult OCIA program.
OCIC classes are scheduled based on the availability of the Catechists and participants. Full initiation Sacraments (Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation) are usually received at the Easter Vigil Mass. First Holy Communion may be received with the Sacramental class. Please email Catherine Campbell or call 650-948-2158, ext. 2209 for more details.