Sacramental Preparation is a special time for your child and your family.  It is an experience that solely focuses on the meaning and value of the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.  Sacramental Prep is a two year process no matter what age children begin.  The preparation process begins in Faith Formation.  Children participate in Faith Formation either in Catholic school or at a parish.  Children are ready to participate in Sacramental Prep in their second year of Faith Formation. If your child has not completed their first year of Faith Formation or is not in the process of completing their second year of Faith Formation they are not eligible to participate Sacramental Prep.

Children are ready to start preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion if they are:

  • Baptized Catholic

  • Registered at Holy Trinity Catholic Church

  • At least 7 years of age

  • Actively participate in Faith Formation either through attendance at a Catholic School, or parish faith formation program for 2 consecutive years.

Registration for 2022-2023 is closed.  If you missed the deadline for registration,
your child will still be eligible to to participate next year. 

Preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a family experience designed to bring light and life into your homes and hearts as you share the love of Jesus and why He gifted us these two special Sacraments.  Most of the preparation process will take place at home through regular family meetings guided by Pathways Mend and Nourish.

There are two mandatory preparation retreats.  Students need to attend with at least one parent. These retreats are designed to help parents refresh your own understanding and desire for the sacraments. All the materials needed for the home family meetings will be distributed at the retreats. Please understand that of these dates are important elements of the preparation process. Make up opportunities will be made available for emergency situations only.

Please Save The Dates:

First Reconciliation Retreat:  Saturday, December 3, 10:00am-12:00pm

First Holy Communion Retreat:  Saturday, March 18, 10:00am-12:00pm

Mend is a First Reconciliation family experience designed to equip parents to teach, share faith, and pray with their children as they lead 7 family meetings in your home. Families will encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of Reconciliation as it connects to daily life by forming clay, making field goals, reading Scripture, engaging in meaningful conversation, and much more.

Retreat  1:   December 3 – First Reconciliation

Meeting 1:   December 11 – Handmade

Meeting 2:   December 18 – The Fruit

Christmas:   December 25 – No Meeting

Meeting 3:   January 8 – Lost and Found

Meeting 4:   January 15 – Washed Clean

Meeting 5:   January 22 – The Goal

Meeting 6:   January 29 – Hearts and Stones

Meeting 7:   February 7 – Healed

On February 11th from 10am-12pm, we will celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation with a special Penance Service held only for Holy Trinity Sacramental Prep Students.  Students must be accompanied by one parent or caretaker. Please add this date to your calendar. Each child must receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation before receiving First Holy Eucharist.

Nourish is a First Holy Communion family experience. As you lead your family through 10 meetings you will encounter Jesus and experience the beauty of the Mass as it connects to daily life by building puzzles, baking, reading Scripture, engaging in meaningful conversation, and much more. Traditional classroom learning will be enhanced by parent participation as faith transitions from the classroom to the living room.

Meeting 1:  February 19 – Gather

Meeting 2:   February 26 – Forgive

Meeting 3:   March 5 – Listen

Meeting 4:   March 12 – Respond

Retreat  2:   March 18 – First Holy Communion

Meeting 5:   March 26 – Prepare

Meeting 6:   April 2 – Transform

Easter Sun:  April 9 – No Meeting     

Meeting 7:   April 16 – Share Peace

Meeting 8:   April 23 – Receive

Meeting 9:   April 30 – On a Mission Meeting 10: May 7 – Celebrate

At the end of each meeting, you will use an online accountability form to either upload a picture of your family activity, answer a question or, briefly share your experience with me. For your convenience, reminder email and link to the accountability form will be sent the day each accountability task is due. If the Holy Spirit is moving your family forward at a quicker pace, please feel free to continue ahead of the schedule.

As of January 15, 2023 families will have their choice of celebrating First Communion Mass on either Saturday, May 6 at 10:00am or Saturday, May 20 at 10:00am. Please be sure to sign up for the Mass of your choice via the link in the Sunday emails. Students will need to arrive at the Parish Hall at 9:15am. All First Communion Celebrants will process in at the beginning of Mass and sit together in the first three pews. A photographer will be present to capture their first moment receiving Jesus. Certificates will be available to pick up directly after Mass.

Click Here for a printable 2023 Sac Prep Schedule.

For more information and questions, please contact:
Karina Perea, Faith Formation Coordinator
Phone: (949) 219-3131 ext 104
Email: kperea@dcataniaholytrinityladera-org

If your child if over the age of seven years old and desires the sacrament of baptism please Click Here.

If your child is under the age of seven and you would like the to be baptized please Click Here.