First Communion Preparation
Grade 2 | St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
A Journey of Encounter with Jesus
Receiving First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is far more than completing a program or reaching a milestone. These sacraments begin a lifetime of friendship with Jesus Christ and a deeper participation in the life of His Church.
At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, our preparation is intentionally family centered. While children receive formation appropriate to their age, we also recognize that parents are the primary educators of their children's faith. Our goal is to form the whole family, helping parents and children grow together as disciples of Jesus.
Our sacramental preparation is rooted in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).
CGS is a Montessori-inspired approach to faith formation that invites children to encounter Christ through Sacred Scripture, prayer, the liturgy, and carefully prepared Atrium materials. Rather than simply learning about God, children are invited to know Him personally and respond to His love.
All children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion—including students attending SEAS School—participate in a weekly Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium session at the parish.
Families may choose either a Tuesday or Wednesday evening Atrium session that best fits their schedule.
Preparation Through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
All parents—regardless of pathway—are required to attend parent sessions throughout the year.
These sessions are essential and will:
Help you understand the sacraments
Equip you to support your child at home
Deepen your own faith
Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith, and your presence matters.
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Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith.
Throughout the year, mothers and fathers participate in separate Saturday Parent Formation gatherings at the parish. These mornings are designed to help parents deepen their own relationship with Christ, grow in their understanding of the sacraments, and become confident leaders of faith within their homes.
In addition to these gatherings, families are encouraged to cultivate simple habits of prayer, conversation, and participation in parish life so that faith becomes part of everyday family life.
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The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.
For this reason, Sunday Mass attendance is an essential part of sacramental preparation. Children learn to love the Eucharist not only through instruction but by worshipping with their families each week and participating in the life of the parish community.
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Children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion should:
Be entering 2nd grade or older.
Have completed at least one year of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) before beginning immediate sacramental preparation.
Participate in a weekly CGS Atrium session throughout the preparation year.
Attend Sunday Mass regularly with their family.
If your child has not previously participated in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please contact Liam Riley before registering. We are happy to help determine the best pathway for beginning your child's formation.
During the year of preparation, families will participate in:
Weekly Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) at the parish.
Saturday Parent Formation gatherings for mothers and fathers.
Weekly Sunday Mass as a family.
Preparation for and celebration of First Reconciliation.
Preparation for and celebration of First Holy Communion at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
Parent Participation (Required for ALL Families)
Throughout the year, your family will:
Grow in understanding of the Eucharist and God’s love
Learn how to participate more deeply in the Mass
Prepare spiritually for First Communion
Build habits of prayer at home
This is not just preparation—it is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Jesus.