First Communion and First Reconciliation
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Sacramental Preparation
Welcome to sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion for children! For many years, families at St. Gabriel Church have prepared their children for these sacraments through retreats and at-home materials. We look forward to supporting your family as you grow in faith and your relationship with Jesus.
PREREQUISITES
Baptized (Not baptized? Learn more here)
At least 7 years old
Registered parishioner of St. Gabriel Church
Participated in religious education (Family Faith) or in Catholic school for 2 years -- the year of and the year prior to receiving the sacraments (Diocese of Charlotte requirement)
TO PREPARE FOR SACRAMENTS
- Register for Sacramental Prep online below (includes $35 materials fee) Register online below.
Attend two required day retreats for parents and children (see dates below)
Complete at-home materials
Participate in religious education (Family Faith) at our parish or attend Catholic school (the year of and year prior to preparing for sacraments
See other frequently asked questions below.
RETREATS AND SACRAMENT DATES
Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
Parent MeetingRequired First Reconciliation Retreat
Sunday, August 24, at 2:00 pm or
Tuesday, August 26, at 7:00 pm
School cafeteria
(following the Family Faith parent meetings)
Parent and student attend oneSaturday, October 18 (9:00 am - Noon or 1:00 - 4:00 pm)Sunday, October 19 (1:00 - 4:00 pm)School cafeteria
First ReconciliationSpecial date (to be determined)or at weekly parish confession times
Required First Eucharist RetreatParent and student attend oneSaturday, March 21, 2026 (9:00 am - Noon or 1:00 - 4:00 pm)Sunday, March 22, 2026 (1:00 - 4:00 pm)School cafeteria
First CommunionSpring 2026 at a Sunday MassMany dates will be available in April, May, and June
Questions? contact Leanne
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Frequently Asked Questions
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To prepare for and receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, a student's family must be registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Church. The Diocese of Charlotte requires that children:
- Be baptized (every family must provide their child's baptism certificate - submit copy below)
- Completed religious education last year (in a parish Faith Formation program or attending Catholic school)
- Are currently enrolled in religious education (in a parish Faith Formation program or attending Catholic school)
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Families at St. Gabriel Church will attend two retreats and do at-home workbooks. As the Catechism teaches, parents are the primary catechists. Our parish is here to support you.
We have opted to intentionally invite the young children to a more intimate celebration of First Holy Communion as part of our parish to receive a particular Mass in the Spring rather than a large Mass with all the children.
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- Registered St. Gabriel Catholic Church parish families with a St. Gabriel School 2nd grader: Please register online and submit your baptismal certificate.
- Parents of 2nd grade St. Gabriel School students who are not registered in the parish: Please contact your home parish to participate in their sacramental preparation program. Our hope is that each family fully participates in their home parish community.
- Parents who are registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Catholic Church and whose 2nd grade children attend another MACS school: Please register online and submit the baptismal certificate.
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You must provide your child's baptism certificate - even if he/she was baptized at St. Gabriel.
Request baptism certificate from St. Gabriel Church
Take a picture or scan the certificate and email it to [email protected]
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A book fee of $35/student due with registration.
Please prayerfully consider supporting the mission of St. Gabriel through regular offertory contributions. This is an important part of spiritual leadership of your family.
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As a part of our program, the child(ren) preparing for Sacraments and at least one parent will attend 2 required half-day retreats at the parish - one on going to confession and one on receiving the Eucharist.
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There are no make-up dates for parent/child retreats for First Reconciliation and First Communion. If you miss a retreat we will need to work with you as a family to prepare. Please reach out to us.
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If your child is preparing for Sacraments, he/she will receive First Communion in the spring semester.
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Interested in receiving sacraments as an adult? Learn more here.
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If your child is ages 7+ and has not been baptized, there are additional preparation steps.
Learn more here
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The Real Presence of Jesus
Jesus said: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. " (Jn 6:51-55).
The Catholic Church professes that, in the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. Christ is truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine—the glorified Christ who rose from the dead after dying for our sins.
By his Real Presence in the Eucharist Christ fulfils his promise to be with us "always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20).
Learn more here.
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