I want my child to receive First Communion, how do we go about this?
 
In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, children are required to attend Catholic faith formation classes for a minimum of two consecutive years prior to receiving a sacrament.  Our regular faith formation classes at St. Vincent de Paul are called CCE (Continuing Christian Education) and take place on Sunday mornings from September-May.  Children who wish to receive First Reconciliation and First Communion should be enrolled in CCE.  In September of the second year of CCE, parents will attend a parent meeting to learn more about the reception of the sacraments that year.  First Reconciliation is received in the Winter of the second year of CCE and First Communion is recevied in the Sping of the second year of CCE.

How do I enroll my child in First Communion Preparation?
 
Simply complete the registration for CCE at SVdP.  On that registration you will mark that your child needs First Communion.  Those who have already completed one year of CCE and who need the sacraments will be enrolled automatically in the First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation and will be emailed regarding the Parent Meeting in September. 
 
How do I enroll in Faith Formation Classes/CCE?
 
Registration is available online HERE

When are the CCE classes?

Please read about our CCE Program HERE

What is First Reconciliation? Why must it precede First Communion?
 
Reconciliation is also called Confession or Penance.  It is the sacrament in which a person confesses their sins to a priest and receives absolution (forgiveness) for their sins.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation helps prepare us to unite with Jesus, body and soul, in the Eucharist.  Children receive First Reconciliation in the Winter and First Communion in the Spring (in their second year of CCE).
 
What age are children when they receive Communion for the first time?
 
Children must be a minimum of seven years of age or second grade to receive Reconciliation and Communion.  Typically, this means that children will participate in CCE in first grade and in second grade, in order to receive First Reconciliation in the Winter and First Communion in the Spring of their second grade year.
 
My child is older than second grade.  Can he/she still receive First Communion?
 
Yes.  Usually there are several children in grades 3-8 who are also preparing to receive the sacraments for the first time.  These children will attend regular CCE with their grade (3^rd-5^th grade) or Edge (6-8^th grade) and complete the sacramental preparation with the whole group of children in preparation during their second year of CCE/Edge.
 
What does the sacramental preparation contain?
 
Children in their second year of CCE, who are preparing to receive the sacraments, will also participate in sacrament-specific preparation.  This consists mainly of a parent meeting, retreat (2.5 hours), and book (completed at home with parents) for EACH sacrament.  This information will be given to parents in September of their child's second year in CCE.
 
Do I need to be a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul to enroll in sacramental preparation?
 
Yes.  However, officially becoming member of our parish is a relatively simply process – Sign up HERE

After registering as parishioners, you may then complete the CCE registration.
 
Are there any volunteer opportunities?  How do I volunteer?
 
Our programs are made possible by our wonderful volunteers.  Parents will be prompted to choose a volunteer opportunity with their child’s CCE registration.  Other parishioners who would like to volunteer – please complete THIS FORM

Whom can I contact with further questions?
 
Monica Aquila
Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation
St. Vincent de Paul Parish
maquila@svdp-edu.org
713-663-3509