St. Matthew > Faith Formation > First Sacraments: Preparing

First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist

In the Diocese of Charlotte,  receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time is a consecutive two year process. 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 the child you are registering also needs the Sacrament of Baptism, or was baptized outside of the Catholic faith, please

ELEMENTARY YEARS

YEAR ONE – ENCOUNTER: This foundational learning year may take place when a child is in first grade or older, and may occur in Catholic school, our parish ENCOUNTER program or an equivalent Catholic formation program. ENCOUNTER groups are divided by age/grade of the child.

YEAR TWO – RECEIVE: After the prerequisite YEAR ONE has been completed, this next consecutive year of exploration and preparation 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.


MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS

YEAR ONE – INVITED: The journey for a middle school youth begins in our parish INVITED program. This trimester based program allows for flexibility in the middle school youth’s busy schedule. Three topics – Jesus Christ, The Church and Sacraments – must be completed in order to move into the second year of preparation. The schedule of offerings can be seen below.

YEAR TWO – WELCOMED: After the prerequisite topics, or a year of Catholic school have been completed, this next consecutive year of exploration and preparation takes place.  In addition to participating in sessions, youth and parents attend a parent-child half-day retreat in the fall for First Reconciliation and in the spring for First Holy Eucharist.


Registration for 2024-2025

Registration will open on July 14 at 4 pm. Links to online form will be found here or on the Faith Formation page. To volunteer as a catechist or session volunteer, and receive priority registration for you child, please contact Lori Mathews.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of supporting your family through the Sacramental process. If you have any questions, please contact Lori.