The spiritual welfare of the children has always been a primary concern of our parish community. That concern, embedded in us by our founders, is still carried out today.   Sunday School is the formal program of study for all children Pre K – 8. It includes Sacramental Preparation, Faith Formation, Discussion, and a Field Trip.  Classes are held each Sunday, September through June at 9:30 am.

The determination of readiness to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time is a primary responsibility of the pastor as well as of the child’s parents and/or guardian(s). They are to see to it that children who have reached the use of reason are correctly prepared for and are nourished by the Eucharist.

Traditionally, children are prepared for reception of the Eucharist during second grade in their parish schools and CCD classes. Before receiving First Communion children must first receive the Sacrament of Penance.  Requires parental participation.

First Penance

The Sacrament of Penance is to precede First Communion. Formal instruction for Penance is to be separate and distinct from preparation for the reception of First Communion. The value of this practice is to catechize the children, from age of reason, to the true Christian spirit of penance and conversion, to growth in self-knowledge and self-control, to a true sense of sin, even of venial sin, to the necessity of asking for pardon from God, and above all, to a loving and confident abandonment to the mercy of the Lord. Under no circumstances should a child receive First Communion without first having received the Sacrament of Penance.  Requires parental participation.

In the Archdiocese of Washington, Communion prayers are celebrated within Mass to express more clearly the fundamental connection of this sacrament with the entirety of Christian initiation, which reaches its culmination in the Eucharist. Students are to be Confirmed in the 7th or 8th grade.
Requires parental and sponsor participation.