Preparation begins with the parent meeting in the fall. Families use a catechism to prepare for both sacraments at home. 

Parent Meeting (parents and kids if available)

• Monday, October 16, 6:30 PM in Good Samaritan Church
• Sunday, October 22, 10:05 AM in the upper CDC (Saints John & Paul)

 First Reconciliation

Online Review due by Monday, January 15, 2024 (MLK Day) 

Retreat & Practice 

• Saturday, January 20, 2024, 10:00 AM-Noon at Saints John & Paul Church
• Good Samaritan - TBA

Celebration of the Sacrament

• Saturday, February 3, 9:00 AM at Good Samaritan Church
• Saturday, February 10, 9:00 AM at Saints John & Paul Church

First Communion

Online Review due by Monday, April 1, 2024 (Easter Monday)

Retreat & Practice 

• Saturday, April 20, 2024, 10:00 AM-Noon at Saints John & Paul Church
• Good Samaritan - TBA

Celebration of the Sacrament

• Saturday, April 27, 10:00 AM (SJP)
• Sunday, April 28, 12:30 PM (GS)
• Saturday, May 4, 10:00 AM (SJP)
• Sunday, May 5, 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 disbilities “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.