The Sacrament Preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation is guided by the Spirit and Light Collaborative of the Oak Park Parishes of "Ascension and St. Edmund" and "Saint Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles".

We are united with Jesus in a unique way in the Sacrament of First Communion. First Communion is a joyful step in your journey of faith! First Communion preparation supports the candidates and families as they deepen their relationship with Jesus, guides them towards an understanding of what happens during Mass, and prepares them to participate more fully in the faith life of their parish.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift of healing, so nothing holds us back from experiencing union with Christ through Eucharist. Your child will prepare for and experience their First Reconciliation as part of the First Communion Program.

Most children are ready to celebrate their First Communion in the spring of their second-grade year. Children preparing to celebrate First Communion in second grade most often begin their formation at the start of their first-grade year through their religious education program or religion curriculum in their parish school. Then, in their second year of preparation, children enrolled in religious education and the parish schools prepare more intensely for the Sacrament. If a child is ready for celebration of the sacraments after their second-grade year, we will work with each family to determine the best preparation process.

During the year of specific preparation for First Communion, each family will experience:

• First Communion and Reconciliation Retreats - These retreats are a time of activities and reflection about the sacraments, experienced by parents and children together.
• Specific Activities at Home - As the primary catechists of their children, parents are invited to play an active role in their child's formation by completing in-home activities with their child, which deepens both the parents' and the child's understanding of the Eucharist and the Mass.
• Sessions exploring the Mass - These sessions dive into the different activities we do at Mass, exploring them and allowing the children to experience the materials and environments of the Mass in a special way.
• Special Group Activities Exploring the Eucharist - Gold Book Together Sessions and Bread Baking Retreat

Each family may register for First Communion and First Reconciliation preparation at either Ascension and St. Edmund Parish, St Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St Giles Parish, or the Family Mass Community. There will also be an opportunity to choose which church your family prefers to celebrate the Sacrament.

Children who are in 4th Grade through 8th Grade and have not yet received their First Communion are welcome to join with their peers to prepare for celebrating the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion during the Fall.

Sessions began on Monday, October 20, and will continue on Mondays through mid-December. All sessions will meet at 4:30 PM at the Saint Giles Campus Parish Center at 1025 Columbian Avenue.

There was a parent information meeting on Monday, October 6, at 7:00 PM at the St. Giles Parish Center.

Children who attend all preparation sessions and celebrate their first Reconciliation during the course of the sessions will be able to celebrate their First Communion at any of the weekend Masses in the churches in our two parishes of Ascension and Saint Edmund or Saint Catherine of Siena-Saint Lucy and Saint Giles.
> 2025-2026 - 4th-8th Grade Preparation Calendar (PDF)
For more information, please contact Rachel Faulman at [email protected], or at (708) 383-3430, ext. 421