"The Eucharist draws each of us closer to Christ as individuals, but also as a community. As Catholics, we never really worship alone. At the Eucharistic Liturgy, we gather with the young and old, the rich and poor, as well as millions around the world and the saints in heaven, to celebrate Christ's sacrifice." — USCCB

First Communion is usually celebrated during the Easter season with children in the second grade or above.

In partnership with all families, children are prepared to celebrate their First Holy Communion.

Preparation involves several parent/child sessions and a retreat in addition to participation in on-going Christian formation. To celebrate this sacrament, children will:

• Participate in on-going faith formation (CGS, GIFT, HTS, or other)
• Attend the Sacrament Prep sessions
• Have celebrated First Reconciliation

Parish Guidelines for 1st Communion Preparation

In preparing your child for their First Holy Eucharist, Holy Trinity's Faith Formation Program has several goals, including:

• Respecting the natural ability, age and circumstances of individual children
• Providing a formation processs for the children within a partnership of parents, priests and teachers/catechists
• Providing sacrament preparation programs which demand the involvement of parents, priests, and teachers/catechists
• Providing for the solemn celebrations of the Sacrament of Eucharist during the Easter season

To be admitted to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Eucharist each child must be enrolled and participating in formal faith formation. This can be obtained through Holy Trinity Grade School, Growing In Faith Together (GIFT), GIFT Home-study, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), or through some other program.

Holy Trinity Parish works in partnership with families as they journey with their child toward the first reception of this sacrament. Specific preparation for the sacrament includes working through a text at home and several parent/child sessions. The focus of our preparation is not only for “first” Eucharist; more importantly, it is a preparation for a lifetime of being nourished at the table of the Lord. A morning retreat is offered to parents and children in early spring.

Children are to have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation beforehand. If your child has not yet celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please contact Elyssa Bradfield.

Any adult - parent, godparent, catechist, or classroom teacher – is privileged to journey with the children during this time of preparation!

CGS’s First Communion process

Holy Trinity Parish offers a sacramental preparation program that draws from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This preparation offers the same quiet, meditative atmosphere experienced in the atrium. This preparation takes the place of other parish sacrament preparations for children and their families who choose it. Any child enrolled in a Level II CGS class is eligible to participate in the CGS Sacraments preparation. If you're interested in our CGS First Communion Preparation please click here. 

Volunteering with First Communion

What we do:
Volunteers are needed to assist with evening sessions or the retreat, assemble banner packets and help with information packets/mailings.

Time commitment:
Varies

Training:
VIRTUS training is required for working with children.

For more information, please fill out the below form or contact Elyssa Bradfield at 913-895-0673 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.