First Communion

Family‑Centered First Communion Formation

At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we are committed to supporting parents as the first educators of their children in the faith by providing them with the tools needed to nurture a lifelong relationship with Christ. Our sacramental preparation is rooted in a family‑centered approach that forms both children and parents as they grow together in faith.

Through the Pathways Formation MEND and NOURISH programs, families preparing for the sacraments participate in an integrated, family‑centered formation process rooted in the catechumenal model of faith development. This approach is designed to foster a personal encounter with the Trinity while supporting the ongoing spiritual growth of both children and parents.

Formation takes place through a combination of at‑home and parish‑based experiences. Parents receive two wonderful books, a hands‑on activity box for meaningful at‑home engagement and guided family conversations, accessible and sound Catholic theology, and practical tools to help cultivate a deeper love for Reconciliation and the Eucharist within the family. All content is presented in an age‑appropriate, engaging, and relational way, helping families grow more deeply into the mystery of our faith together.

REGISTRATION FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Please follow all steps in order.

Step 1. 

If your family has already registered in previous years, you do not need to create a new profile. Simply log in and update your information if needed.

If your family has not registered before, please click Create Family Profile and add all family members to begin the registration process.

We use Church Center, where we first need your household information:

  • Enter information about yourself first
  • Under "household members" add your spouse and your children

Create Family Profile

Step 2. Sign Up for Your Class

  • Students in grades 2 or 3 or 4 who are enrolled in their second year of Tuesdays or Wednesdays Faith formation should be enrolled both, in Religious Education and in First Holy Communion.

  • Students in grades 2 or 3 or 4 who are enrolled in their second year of CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) should be enrolled both, in CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) and in First Holy Communion. 

  • If your student attends Catholic school full‑time or is homeschooled and is in their second year of faith formation, please enroll them for First Holy Communion under Catholic School / Homeschool.

  • Students in grades 4–12 who are enrolling for the first time (i.e. have had no prior formal faith formation) should be enrolled in OCIA Adapted for Children only.

Religious Education Catholic School/HomeschoolCATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

OCIA Adapted for Children 

Is my child ready to begin preparing for Reconciliation and First Communion?

Children are ready to prepare for Reconciliation when:

  • They have some understanding of the difference between right and wrong, morally good and bad.
  • They are learning to know the difference between sins and accidents or mistakes.
  • They are capable of apologizing.
  • They are beginning to know God as a loving Father who forgives us.
  • They have participated in at least one full year of faith formation (Religious Education, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, or homeschooling).

Children are ready to prepare for Eucharist when:

  • They are enrolled in their second year of faith formation (Religious Education, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, or homeschooling).
  • They can (for the most part) pay attention at Sunday Mass.
  • They have some appreciation that God works through miracles.
  • They show curiosity about the Eucharist.
  • They can follow directions on how to (physically) partake in the Eucharist (without playing or disturbing others during the sacrament at Mass).

How Will I Know if My Child Is Ready to Receive His or Her First Holy Communion?

As the primary educator of your child, it is up to you to discern when your child is ready to receive First Holy Communion. This discernment takes place gradually, through prayer, participation in Mass, family discussion, and engagement with the formation process.

During the MEND and NOURISH formation, families participate in two mini‑retreats. The MEND mini‑retreat concludes with the child celebrating the Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Confession). The NOURISH mini‑retreat provides catechists with an opportunity to observe evidence of the child’s personal relationship with Jesus and his or her understanding of the Mass and the Eucharist.

From the beginning of the program and over the course of the year, parents and children are expected to read and study the formation books together at home—first the book on Reconciliation, and later the book on First Holy Communion. These resources are designed to help parents recognize their child’s readiness and to deepen the family’s understanding of the sacraments.

The norms for a child to receive First Holy Communion are:

  • Your child demonstrates a desire to partake in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
  • Your child demonstrates an age‑appropriate understanding of the Blessed Sacrament.
  • The family attends Mass (Sunday liturgy) weekly.
  • Your child has made a good confession.
  • Your child knows how to receive Holy Communion reverently.
  • Your child is at least 7 years old and is enrolled in the second year of faith formation and attended consistently the previous year.

FAQ's 

What are the Pathways Formation MEND and NOURISH programs, and how do they work?

MEND

A first Reconciliation family experience designed for middle childhood (6-10) aged children. We invite parents to reflect on their experience of Reconciliation and equip them to teach, share faith, and pray with their children. Families will encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of Reconciliation through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations. Families dive deeper into the incredible gift God gives us of Reconciliation.Families are invited to encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of Reconciliation as it connects to their daily lives. Families will experience the love of Jesus as they talk together about the mending of relationships and the healing power of forgiveness.FEATURES

  • Hands-On, experiential and engages the entire family
  • Empowers and Equips Parents, to teach, share faith, and lead prayer
  • Restores Trust, in a forgiving God
  • Accessible Teachings, for families at different places in their faith journeys

7 at‑home Family Meetings led by parents make up the Mend family‑based curriculum . These Family Meetings focus on God’s love for us, the origin of sin, and God’s plan of reconciliation. Each Family Meeting includes: a gathering ritual, opening prayer, checkin, experiential activity, teaching, and closing prayer. Each Family Meeting is designed to take 30-40 minutes.3 Family Sessions held at church throughout the Mend experience. The Sessions include separate experiences for parents and children, and a combined family prayer experience to close your Sessions.1 Mini retreat. The activities, conversations, and prayer experiences will all be aimed at helping  the family understand the heart of the Father. He is the God who loves abundantly and forgives extravagantly; the God they will be reconciled with through the sacrament of Reconciliation. The goal of the Mend Mini-Retreat is for parents and children to spend time together, surrounded by other families, experiencing God’s love. 

NOURISH

Nourish, a first Communion family experience designed for middle childhood (6-10) aged children. We equip parents to teach, share faith, and pray with their children as they discover how the Mass relates to daily life. Families will encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of the Eucharist through a variety of hands-on activities and meaningful conversations. Families dive deeper into the incredible gift God gives us of the Eucharist.Families discover the love and power of Jesus in the Eucharist. The Nourish experience invites families to connect the beauty of the liturgy with their lived family experiences. This is encouraged through simple faith conversations, shared activities, and prayer. Preparation to receive the sacrament of first Communion is a special time in the life of a family and provides great opportunity to grow in faith together.Families discover the love and power of Jesus in the Eucharist. The Nourish experience invites families to connect the beauty of the liturgy with their lived family experiences. This is encouraged through simple faith conversations, shared activities, and prayer. Preparation to receive the sacrament of first Communion is a special time in the life of a family and provides great opportunity to grow in faith together.FEATURES

  • Hands-On, experiential and engages the entire family
  • Empowers and Equips Parents, to teach, share faith, and lead prayer
  • Follows the Mass, learn about each part 
  • Accessible Teachings, for families at different places in their faith journeys

10 at‑home Family Meetings led by parents form the family‑based Nourish curriculum. These Family Meetings focus on different parts of the liturgy, tying them into concrete ways families encounter these same themes in their day-to-day living. The catechesis is presented in the form of family meetings. Each Family Meeting includes: an opening prayer, gathering ritual, check-in question, experiential activity, teaching, and closing prayer.3 Sessions held at-church throughout the Nourish experience that are designed to complement and support the at-home content. The Sessions have been written for parents and the child preparing to receive the sacrament. Parents and their children will be separated for the first part of each Session. Each Session ends with a closing prayer for the parents and children together.1 Mini-retreat.  The activities, conversations, and prayer experiences will all be aimed at helping the families know and understand that our God is near. He is a God of relationship. His greatest miracle is done in the midst of a family meal. He cannot be closer than when we receive his Body and Blood into our lives. The goal of the Nourish Mini-Retreat is for parents and children to spend time together, surrounded by other families, experiencing God’s love

My child is in 2nd or 3rd grade. How do I get started with their preparation for the sacraments?

Please register at the top of this page.

At SEAS, First Holy Communion preparation is offered through a school‑year program consisting of MEND and NOURISH. This program is intended for students in grades 2 and 3 who are enrolled in their second year of faith formation (Religious Education, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, or Homeschool). A child may be registered provided he or she will have attained the age of seven by April 30, 2027.In order to register for our First Communion Preparation, your child must have attended consistently to his or her first year of formation (no more than 5 absences from class), and be receiving their SECOND YEAR* of formation in one of the following ways: 

  1. Weekly Religious Education classes on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for students enrolled in public school or homeschool. **
  2. Weekly Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) classes for students enrolled in public school or homeschool. **
  3. Be attending Catholic School
  4. Be home schooled full time using a Catholic curriculum approved by the Diocese of Fort Worth.***

* Students in grades 4–12 who are enrolling for the first time ( i.e. have had no prior formal faith formation) should be enrolled in OCIA Adapted for Children. * * If enrolled in RE or CGS, your child needs to attend consistently. After five absences from class, your child will be moved to the next First Communion preparation session.     *** Visit https://fwdioc.org/diocesan-catechetical-textbook-guidelines-en.pdf

My child is in 4th grade. How do I get started with their preparation for the sacraments?

  • Students in grade 4 who are enrolling for the first time (that is, who have had no prior formal faith formation) should be enrolled in OCIA Adapted for Children.
    → Register here

  • Students in grade 4 who attended consistently to his or her first year of formation (no more than 5 absences from class), and are enrolled in their second year of faith formation (Religious Education, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, or Homeschool) may register for the First Holy Communion program.

→ Register above

My child is in 5th-12th grade. How do I get started with their preparation for the sacraments?

Older children (grades 4-12) who have not yet received First Holy Communion will be enrolled in OCIA Adapted for Children. 

Register Here.

What are the important First Communion dates (classes, retreats, assessment, mass)?

What does the First Communion assessment involve?

As the primary educator of your child, it is your responsibility to discern when your child is ready to be brought forward for an assessment of readiness to receive First Holy Communion. Families participating in the MEND and NOURISH programs are encouraged to begin reading and studying the provided books from the very first class and to continue this practice over the course of the year. During the program, parents will be given guided questions to bring home and discuss with their child. These questions are intended to support family conversation, reinforce learning at home, and assist parents in prayerfully assessing their child’s readiness for the sacrament. When you believe your child is prepared, you should attend the scheduled group assessment day (see date above).If you feel your child is not yet ready, you may contact the Elementary Religious Education Office to discuss next steps or to schedule an appointment. SEAS School second‑grade students will be assessed by their classroom teacher during the school year.

I am an adult, but never made my First Communion. What do I do?

Catholic adults who have not yet received First Holy Communion receive special attention in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) which takes the time to fully immerse them in the rites and mysteries of the faith to prepare them for the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Click link below to learn more about our OCIA program and to register: Click Here

To register, please call us at the office at (817) 431-3857

BEFORE REGISTERING FOR FIRST COMMUNION:

Your child MUST be registered in regular Religious Education classes, Catholic school,

or full time home school with a Catholic curriculum approved by the Diocese of Fort Worth.

Call our office for more information:

Older children and Adults are prepared through our parish OCIA program.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

We recognize that not everyone's faith journey looks the same. So whatever the situation, we're here to assist each family on their unique journey. If you have questions or concerns about the process, just let us know.

Dawn Johnston

Secretary - Religious Education

office: (817) 623-2409 ext. 500

Religious Education Volunteer Opportunities

Do you feel called to share your faith and walk with the next generation of disciples?

Our Religious Education program is a vital part of forming young hearts and minds in Christ, and we cannot do it without faithful, dedicated volunteers. Whether you feel called to teach, assist in the classroom, support behind the scenes, or simply be a welcoming presence, there is a place for you here.

You do not need to have all the answers. You simply need a willingness to serve, a love for the faith, and an openness to be led by the Holy Spirit. Training and resources are provided, and you will be supported every step of the way.

Come be a part of something meaningful. Help us build a strong foundation of faith for our children and families.

Ready to get involved?
Interest Form