First Eucharist & Reconciliation
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATIONThe Journey Begins
Two Sacraments, One Beautiful Process
At Saint Katharine Drexel, we prepare children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist through a unified process that honors each child’s readiness — not their grade or age.
Preparation begins in September with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, followed in January by preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist. Both sacraments are celebrated during the same program year.
We recognize and affirm the primary role parents have in the faith formation and sacramental preparation of their children. This is a process of mutual support between your family and our parish — you are not walking this road alone.
One important prerequisite: Children must have successfully completed one full year of parish faith formation or attendance at an Archdiocesan Catholic school the year prior to enrolling for sacramental preparation, and must be enrolled concurrently throughout preparation.
Program Overview
What to Expect
Our preparation process unfolds across the school year in two phases — each designed to form both children and families in the faith.
Fall — Beginning in September
Preparation for Reconciliation
- Parent Meetings
- Parent-led home instruction
- Parent & Child Sessions
- Retreat at the parish
- Scheduled celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Spring — Beginning in January
Preparation for First Eucharist
- Parent Meetings
- Parent-led home instruction
- Parent & Child Sessions
- Retreat at the parish
- Rite of Enrollment Ceremony at Mass
- Feed My Sheep outreach project
- Scheduled celebration of First Eucharist
All aspects of the preparation are important for your child’s understanding of the sacraments. Contact Theresa if you are unable to participate in any given session due to unavoidable travel, illness, or other family emergencies.
Get Started
Ready to Begin?
If your child has completed one year of faith formation or Catholic school and you’d like to enroll for sacramental preparation, click the Register button above or fill out the form and Theresa will be in touch.
If you have questions about whether your child is ready or meets the prerequisites, we’d love to hear from you — there are no wrong questions at this stage.
Theresa Anderson
Pastoral Associate
theresa.anderson@saintdrexel.org
301-360-9581
Questions?
We’re Here to Help
Our parish office is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM and we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.