First Penance &
First Eucharist

Preparation for First Penance and First Eucharist

The child must be registered and attend Faith Formation Classes to ensure he or she has “sufficient knowledge and be accurately prepared, so that according to their capacity they understand what the mystery of Christ means, and are able to receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion” (Canon 913–914).

It is primarily the duty of parents (and those who take the place of parents), as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are properly prepared and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach holy communion.

Children are to be prepared for First Penance and receive the Sacrament of Penance prior to receiving First Eucharist. Both sacraments are generally received in grade two, with First Penance normally received a couple of months or more before First Eucharist.

In the Diocese of Monterey, this is a two-year process.

The readiness required for the Sacrament of Penance consists in the capacity to discern between right and wrong, together with an understanding—appropriate to the child’s age—of the concept of sin.

The readiness required for First Eucharist is similar: the ability to recognize the difference between the Eucharist and ordinary bread (and wine).

Class Details

Classes are held at St. Patrick's School on Tuesdays from 4:30–5:30 p.m.

All necessary paperwork is available in the forms section of our website. Parents, please submit a registration form as well as a permission waiver to complete your child's registration.

Contact

Rachel Kovach, PhD
Director of Religious Education

Office (805) 489-2680 ext. 28
Email: rachel.kovach@stpatsag.org