Two years of preparation in a formal religious education program are required for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Guidelines put forth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia concerning baptized children receiving sacraments for the first time specifies that the Sacrament of Reconciliation be received prior to First Eucharist.

At St. John the Baptist Parish the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist occurs in the second grade.

The expectations for children preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist are that the child:

• Be baptized
• Be participating weekly at Mass with their families.
• Have completed two consecutive years of formal religious instruction.
• Have a satisfactory PREP attendance record.
• Have an age appropriate appreciation and understanding of the sacraments they are to receive.

The expectations for parents or guardians who choose to have their children celebrate these sacraments are:

• Be registered in the parish.
• Participate weekly at Mass.
• Support the teachings of the Church.
• Be involved in the child’s preparation through attendance at meetings and other activities that surround the preparation of these sacraments.
• Actively supervise the child’s preparation through homework assignments, retreat day,and practices for the actual ceremony.

For students in third grade and up who are baptized, but have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist, a Special Sacraments Program is offered which emphasizes family involvement. This program helps parents or guardians to prepare their child for these sacraments.  Please contact the program director for more details.

Students 7 and older who wish to enter our Parish Religious Education Program but are not baptized Catholic need to contact the DRE, Leona Russell, to discuss next steps