St. Matthew > Faith Formation > First Sacraments: Elementary Years

Preparing for Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist

To inquire about registering your child for the upcoming program year, contact our Sacramental Coordinator, Lori Mathews.

Click for Six or Seventh Grade
Click for Eighth to Twelfth Grade

Sacramental Preparation for Elementary Children

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 or to register your child for the 2024-2025 program year, please contact Lori Mathews.

2024-2025 Program Information

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 BEGINNINGS GRADE ONE, our parish Elementary ENCOUNTER program or an equivalent Catholic formation program. ENCOUNTER groups are divided in to ENCOUNTER (Grades 2 and 3) and ENCOUNTER (Grades 4 and 5). ENCOUNTER is only offered at the Ballantyne campus.

YEAR TWO – RECEIVE: After the prerequisite year one has been completed, this next consecutive year of exploration and preparation takes place.  RECEIVE groups are divided into RECEIVE (Catholic School, Grade 2); RECEIVE (Grades 2 and 3) and RECEIVE (Grades 4 and 5). 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. 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.