​Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

First Reconciliation Retreat - May 2, 2026 @ 8:00-12:00

First Holy Communion - May 3, 2026 @ 10:45 Mass

Mass of Enrollment

​ February 1, 2026 @ 9:00 Mass
​Children will Receive Bibles

The formal instruction process for these two sacraments happen within the context of the family at four evening meetings where the child and their parent(s)/guardian meet in the Education Building from 6:00-7:00. Attendance is required at these meetings on October 7th, December 2nd, February 3rd, and April 21st.

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First Holy Communion Preparation

Preparation for First Holy Communion is, first and foremost, attending  Mass together.  Your child will observe you reverently receiving the Eucharist. Talk as a family about what it means to receive Jesus Christ, “body, blood, soul and divinity.”  By observing your child’s interest and questions, you can help them to  determine whether they are ready to receive this Sacrament with full awareness.
Here are some of the things to share with your child:

• We go to Mass because we are bound to honor and glorify God through worship on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
• Explain to  your child that we fast an hour before Mass to prepare ourselves spiritually and physically to receive Jesus.
• Share with your child your particular prayers of supplication and thanksgiving that you say before and after receiving Communion.
• Teach your child to genuflect upon entering the pew and how to approach the Blessed Sacrament.
• Teach your child the Our Father and other prayers said at Mass.

CatholicMom.com

​First Reconciliation ​Preparation

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Faith Formation, offers the child who is ready  to prepare for their First Holy Communion the required precursor, preparation for the sacrament of  Reconciliation.  

All children preparing for these two sacraments must be registered through  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Faith Formation. 
If families are NOT registered parishioners at St. Jerome, they must obtain permission to participate from the pastor of their parish.

What if my child attends Catholic School?

If your child has not been attending St. Jerome Catholic Faith Formation because of his/her enrollment in a Catholic school, ​contact  Stephanie Martin at [email protected]  for more information.

For more information please contact the Catholic Faith Formation Office at

[email protected]