Preparation begins with the parent meeting in the fall. Families use the You Are Loved Program in combination with Family Program, Station Rotations, or Catechesis of the Good Shepard. You can view videos for both adults and children on Formed.org.

Parent Meeting (parents and kids if available)

• Sunday, September 22, 11:00 AM in the upper CDC (Saints John & Paul)
• Monday, October 21, 5:30 PM in the Church (Good Samaritan)

---

First Reconciliation
Mandatory Sacramental Chat 

• Monday, December 1 & Wednesday, December 3 (Saints John & Paul)
• Monday, January 6, 2025 Jericho Hall (Good Samaritan) 
  
• 15 Minutes slots will be made available for sign up through Sign Up Genius
  

Retreat & Practice 

• Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10:00 AM - Noon at Saints John & Paul Church
• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:00 - 11:30 AM in the Church & Liturgy Room (Good Samaritan) 
  

Celebration of the Sacrament

• Saturday, February 1, 9:00 AM at Good Samaritan Church
• Saturday, February 8, 9:00 AM at Saints John & Paul Church

 

---

First Communion

     Retreat & Practice 

• Saturday, April 12, 2025, 10:00 AM - Noon at Saints John & Paul Church
• Saturday, April 12, 2025, 9:00 - 12:30 PM Church & Liturgy Room (Good Samaritan)
  

Celebration of the Sacrament

• Saturday, April 26, 10:00 AM (SJP)
• Sunday, April 27, 12:30 PM (GS)
• Saturday, May 3, 10:00 AM (SJP)
• Sunday, May 4, 2:00 PM (SJP)

 Students can receive First Communion during regularly Sunday Masses by request.
 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SECOND GRADE SACRAMENTS

By Diocesan policy, children with physical or learning disabilities “are to be presented for Eucharistic Communion (or Confirmation) along with their age peers, seeking a degree of understanding appropriate to their individual condition” (Sacraments of Initiation Policies for the Diocese of Pittsburgh). The only reason to delay reception of a sacrament is if you believe it in your child’s best interests.

Adaptations to the Celebration of Sacraments

• First Reconciliation—may be done privately on any Saturday afternoon or by appointment rather than with the larger group; special seating arrangements can be made.
• First Communion—may done privately during any weekend Mass or by appointment rather than with the larger group; special seating arrangements can be made.