Preparing for Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
In the Diocese of Charlotte, the process to prepare for the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time takes place in two consecutive years. Children may receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time in the spring of second grade or older. For questions specific to your child preparing for these Sacraments please contact Lori Mathews.
If you have a child in sixth or seventh grade, please visit our RECEIVE Middle School page; if your child is in eighth grade, please visit our CHOSEN page; and if your child is in high school, please visit our OCIT page.
Encounter: The First Year
Encounter Program Coordinator: Stephanie O’Shields, 704-543-7677 x1004
FIRST YEAR: During this year, the child encounters the love of God by exploring the Sacrament of Baptism, the physical church and their part in God’s family. This foundational learning year may take place when a child is in first grade or older, and may occur in Catholic school, our parish elementary Encounter program or an equivalent Catholic formation program. Encounter groups are divided by grade level. Encounter Grades 2 through 5 is only offered at the Ballantyne location.
Receive: The Second Year
Receive Program Coordinator: Lori Mathews, 704-543-7677 x1037
SECOND YEAR – RECEIVE: After the prerequisite year one has been completed, this next consecutive year of exploration and preparation to receive the sacraments takes place. In addition to participating in sessions, children and parents will complete supplemental materials at home and attend a parent-child half-day retreat in the fall for First Reconciliation and in the spring for First Holy Eucharist. Receive groups are divided by grade level. Second grade students attending Catholic school, who were enrolled in Catholic school or a Catholic faith formation program in first grade do not attend weekly faith formation sessions. RECEIVE (Grades 4 and 5) is only offered at the Ballantyne Campus.
2025-2026 Program Times
We are currently accepting registrations for teen volunteers and adult volunteers and their children. General registration will open on July 13 at 3 pm through an online form. Link will be posted below
| Ballantyne Campus | Waxhaw Campus |
|---|---|
| Sunday 4 to 5 pm | Sunday 5 to 6 pm* |
| Tuesday 4:30 to 5:30 pm Tuesday 6:30 to 7:30 pm* | Wednesday 3:30 to 4:30 pm* Wednesday 5 to 6 pm* |