First Holy Communion

A sacred milestone in your child's journey of faith.

The sacrament in which Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.

 It is a celebration of Christ's sacrifice and a means of grace to unite believers with Him and each other.

First Holy Communion

Welcome!
This is a summary of how to prepare your child
for First Communion & First Reconciliation at the Church of St. Patrick



• The Church of St. Patrick follows the Diocese of Venice requirements of two continuous years of religious instruction before receiving the Sacrament of First Communion. These two years are in either in the Church of St. Patrick Faith Formation classes or a Diocesan approved Catholic school.
• Special sacrament preparation classes are also required for those in 3^rd Grade to 8^th Grade.
• Preparation traditionally takes place during 1^st and 2^nd grades but can also happen later.
• 1^st Grade: Faith Formation classes or Catholic school
• 2^nd Grade: Faith Formation classes or Catholic school
• 3^rd Grade to 8^th Grade: Faith Formation classes or Catholic school PLUS special sacramental preparation classes.
• Becoming part of a church, including regular Mass attendance and family faith classes for elementary-aged children, is a gift you give to your children... and yourself. Come and see!
  

How to enroll your child in First Communion and First Reconciliation classes:

• Ensure your family is a registered member of the Church of St. Patrick.
  Call our Parish Office (941-378-1703) if you have questions about the status of your membership in the parish.
• Attend Mass at the Church of St. Patrick as a family each Sunday.
• Enroll online in and attend Faith Formation classes (or Catholic school or homeschool Catholic classes).
  Registration begins in July. Preparation for 1^st and 2^nd Grades will occur during these classes.
• A parent and student Mass and Meet/Greet is required for all students in Faith Formation and Sacrament in August.

Per the Diocese of Venice, First Communion is a two-year process and usually occurs in 2^nd Grade. First Communion registration and calendars are included with our K-5 Faith Formation and Youth Group calendars. 

GRADES K - 8 ( NON-BAPTIZED)

Parents of non-Baptized school-aged children (K-8^th Grade) should make an appointment with the Director of Religious Education before the Faith Formation registration deadline to formulate a specific plan for the sacramental needs of your family.

GRADES 9 - 12 ( BAPTIZED) SEEKING FIRST COMMUNION

Those who are Baptized and are in 9th-12th Grade seeking First Communion should make an appointment with the Director of Religious Education before the OCIA/OCIC registration deadline to formulate a specific plan for the sacramental needs of your family.