1st Reconciliation and Communion Prep

1st Reconciliation and Communion Preparation

Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are an extension of the life of faith. With this in mind, children are required to participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for at least one year in addition to their Sacramental preparation year. Traditionally, preparation for the Sacraments is done in 2nd grade, but every child is on a different spiritual journey. In order to assist the child in learning to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, the child needs time in the Atrium.

The world is constantly vying for our attention - God has gifted us with so many good things to enjoy!  But we can’t truly enjoy them if we don’t acknowledge and thank Him for these great gifts!  That is why parents must set an example in living a life of gratitude to our Heavenly Father for all that we have!  Attending Sunday Mass and receiving Jesus in the sacraments is one of the best ways we can say “Thank You” to Him who has done so much for us! Parents are asked to accompany their children in the preparation process - pray daily with your child, attend Sunday Mass each week, partake of the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis - Your example speaks louder than any voice!



Process of Preparation:

  • Submit Baptism Information

    A copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate is required. Please submit a copy of your child’s baptism information no later than December.  


    You can do this via email or you may submit a hard copy of their certificate.  If your child was baptized at St. Gabriel Parish, please let me know and we can look up that information. 


  • Parent and Child Meditation Series

    At least one parent and the child preparing will attend three (3) meditation sessions held at a time in addition to the regularly scheduled class sessions.  These meditations lay the groundwork to prepare our hearts to respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd in the gift of these Sacraments.


    The Sacrament of First Reconciliation will take place on a Saturday morning in late winter - usually the end of January or February.  Parents will sign up for the date that works best for their schedule.  Please click here for this year's dates.

  • Banner Project

    There is an at-home banner project that will be due before the Retreat.  Instructions on how to make the banner and the date it's due will be sent home. 


    See instructions on how to make your child’s banner. You can drop off your banner at the parish office or by having your child bring it to class.

  • Sacrament Retreat

    After the meditation sessions, the child and at least one parent will attend the First Communion Sacrament Retreat.  


    The retreat is held in the parish hall on a Saturday beginning promptly at 1:30 p.m. and concluding with Saturday evening vigil Mass at 4:30 p.m.  The retreat is usually held in April or possibly May (see calendar for this year’s date)

  • First Communion Practice

    Parents and the child will attend a one hour First Communion Practice (see calendar) 


    This required practice helps us “navigate” the logistics of having our families gathered together for their First Communion Mass.

  • Celebration of First Communion

    The child is invited to receive the gift of the Eucharist for the first time at one of the First Communion Masses at St. Gabriel Parish!  


    Parents will sign their child up for the Mass of their choice choosing from two of the selected weekends in April or May.

PLEASE NOTE: These special meetings are for the day school parents & children as well as our parish formation families.


The Archdiocese of Milwaukee recommends that all children attend at least one year of formation preparation prior to second grade. (That's a total of at least two years of sacramental preparation/education - 1st & 2nd grade.) It is important to note that if you are interested in having your child receive these sacraments, they should attend formation the year prior to the sacramental prep. class, to receive proper formation for these special sacraments.

Share by: