---

First Communion

1st Communion Mass is date tbd 2026

"At the Last Supper, the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.'"  CCC 1323

---

Printable version of the First Communion 26 guidelines.
Versión imprimible de las pautas de Primera Comunión 26.

Purpose  
We at St Francis of Assisi are committed to support you the parents as the primary catechists for your child as you prepare them for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.
 
Preparation Time  
First Reconciliation preparation takes place in the months of September through November and, if ready, your child will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation in January. Reconciliation is required before preparing for First Communion.  First Communion preparation takes place in the months of January through April and, if the parents and child are ready, your child may receive First Communion in May.
 
Age for Preparation  
Children are to be at least 2nd grade and have completed one full year of Faith Formation at St Francis, St Francis School or at another Catholic parish/school before entering the sacrament preparation year.

1. Requirements for all children preparing to receive a sacrament:
a) Attend a full year of Faith Formation classes or attendance at Catholic School the year before receiving the sacrament (80+% attendance). 
b)  Attend a full year of Faith Formation classes or attendance at Catholic School the year of the sacrament (80+% attendance).
c)  Regular attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. 
d)  Be a registered member of St Francis Catholic parish.
e)  Register with the  Faith Formation programs 2025-2026. 
f) Turn in a copy of your student's baptism certificate. If baptized at St Francis, let us know and we will look up the record. 
g)  Parents attend the parent meeting at the beginning of the school year. (October)
h)  The year of the sacrament, parent & child attend in-person workshops for the sacrament that they are preparing to receive.
i)  Parent & child schedule an interview for the readiness of the family and child.  These interviews will be held in February and March.
   
2. Additional dates for First Communion children in (grades 2-5)

a) Parent-Child Confession Workshop. Sunday, January 11, 6:00-8:00 pm
b)  Parent-Child Teaching Mass, Sunday, January 25, 6:00-8:00 pm in Spanish*
       Parent-Child Teaching Mass, Sunday, February 1, 6:00-8:00 pm in English*
*The Teaching Mass is not a full Mass and does not fulfill your Sunday Mass obligation*
c) Receive 1st Reconciliation in January, usually during class time and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation often.  
d) Attend rehearsal for First Communion during class time.
e) First Communion Mass for children (grades 2-5). Saturday, May 2, at the 5:00 pm Mass, in English or Sunday, May 3, at the 12:30 pm Mass in Spanish. Children arrive at the chapel one hour before Mass. 

OICA
There are additional requirements and activities for children and youth (ages 7-12) in the OCIA program seeking baptism. Click here for information on OCIA for children
For Adults see: OCIA

For students in grades 6-12
​1st Communion for youth and adults (grades 6 and older) will be at the Confirmation Mass with Bishop on Tuesday, May 5, 6:00 pm, at St Francis of Assisi main church (27th St). Please see the Confirmation page for more information.

Note for unique situations: These requirements are the norm, but we understand that families might have unique situations. To discuss your situation, call the office at (541) 382-3631 and ask to be transferred to the Coordinator of Evangelization and Catechesis. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. What is the attire for my child’s sacrament Mass? Girls wear white dresses. Veils or hairpiece is optional. Boys will wear white shirts with black, white or khaki pants. Optional: ties, white tux, suit jacket.
2. Does my child need a candle, Bible or rosary? No. Children will not have anything in their hands. Gifts can be given after the Mass. The priest will bless items after Mass next to the baptismal font.
3. Is photography allowed during Mass? Only photography from your seat  during Mass.  Please do not stand; there are others behind you.  Photos can be taken before or after Mass.
4. When is rehearsal? See #2d above
5. What time is Mass and what time does my child need to arrive? see #2e above
6. ​Will there be a reception at the church after the Mass?  We will have cookies and beverage after Mass. ​

---