In the fall of 2023, preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion became a 2-year process.  

Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, no matter the grade level, new families will begin a 2-year Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion. For example, if a family with a second-grade student joins our program in the fall of 2024, the family will prepare for the Sacrament of First Eucharist during both second and third grades, with receipt of the Sacrament in the spring of third grade.

Families who participated last year in Seek and Root will continue with Mend and Nourish (the second year) for 2024-2025.

Completing the registration form will be your first step. A new Registration form must completed each year. Once registration is complete you will recieve information on how to pick up the materials provided.

First Year: Families begin preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist with SEEK AND ROOT.

Materials Provided: 

-SEEK Backpack

-SEEK for Parents Guide Book

-ROOT Box

-ROOT for Parents Book

-By Heart Prayer Card Deck**

**Only one deck needed per family. 

SEEK

SEEK consists of 4 family sessions at St. John Neumann Church. Each session is for at least one parent/guardian and child to attend. Sessions are offered on either the 1st or 3rd Tuesday of the month. After registering for Family of Faith, families will have the opportunity to select the session that works best for them. Starting July 22, a Sign Up Genius for session options will go live. Session slots are available on a first come basis. 

SEEK Session Options (choose one): 

SEEK Session A: Begins on Tuesday, September 3rd and meets on the1st Tuesday through December 3rd. Sessions begin at 6:30pm, with the option to come early for pizza at 6:15pm. Sessions conclude at 7:30pm.

SEEK Session B: Begins on Tuesday, August 20th and meets on the3rd Tuesday of the month through November 19th. Sessions begin at 6:30pm, with the option to come early for pizza at 6:15pm. Sessions conclude by 7:30pm. 

ROOT

ROOT Consists of 4 family sessions at St. John Neumann Church and 6 at-home sessions. Each session is for at least one parent/guardian and child to attend. Sessions are offered on either the 1st or 3rd Tuesday of the month. Starting July 22, a Sign Up Genius for session options will go live. Session slots are available on a first come basis.

ROOT Session Options (choose one):

ROOT Session A: Begins on Tuesday, January 7th and meets on the 1st Tuesday through April 1st. Sessions begin at 6:30pm, with the option to come early for pizza at 6:15pm. Sessions conclude by 7:30pm.

ROOT Session B: Begins on Tuesday, January 21st and continues to meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month through April 22***.   

Sessions begin at 6:30pm, with the option to come early for pizza at 6:15pm. Sessions conclude by 7:30pm 

*** Please note that April 22nd is the 4th Tuesday. We cannot meet on the 3rd Tuesday of April due to Holy Week.

Second Year: Second year students continue their preparation with MEND and NOURISH. 

Materials Provided: 

-MEND Box

-NOURISH Box

-By Heart Prayer Card Deck**

**Only one deck needed per family. 

MEND

Preparation for First Reconciliation. The program consists of 7 at-home Family Meetings, and 4 at-church support sessions. There are 2 options for at-church support sessions. At-church support sessions are for at least one parent/guardian and child to attend. There are 2 day and time options for at-church support sessions, and starting July 22, a Sign Up Genius for session options will go live. Session slots are available on a first come basis.

MEND Session Options (choose one): 

MEND Session A: Meets on select Sundays (September 8th, October 6th, November 10th, December 8th) from 10:30-11:30am. Families are welcome to come early for donuts or stay after for donuts in the FFC.

MEND Session B: Meets on 2nd Tuesday of the month beginning September 10th and running through December 10th. Sessions begin at 6:30pm, with the option to come early for pizza at 6:15pm. Sessions conclude by 7:30pm. 

**First Reconciliation is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8th at 6:30pm**

NOURISH

Preparation for First Eucharist The program consists of 9 at-home Family Meetings, and 4 at-church support sessions. There are 2 options for at-church support sessions. At-church support sessions are for at least one parent/guardian and child to attend. There are 2 day and time options for at-church support sessions, and starting July 22, a Sign Up Genius for session options will go live. Session slots are available on a first come basis.

NOURISH Session Options (choose one):

NOURISH Session A: Meets on select Sundays (January 12th, February 9th, March 9th, April 6th) from 10:30-11:30am. Families are welcome to come early for donuts or stay after for donuts in the FFC.

NOURISH Session B: Meets on the 2ND Tuesday of the month beginning January 14th and running through April 8th. Sessions begin at 6:30pm, with the option to come early for pizza at 6:15pm. Sessions conclude by 7:30 pm 

***First Communion: All Masses May 3rd & 4th, 2025***

Contact Amanda Westrick for information about the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Please see our FAQ about Family of Faith for more information about our sacramental preparation information. 

Attendance will be taken at each class being held. It is expected that students attend at least 80% of our sessions and complete at home components in order to be prepared for receiving Sacraments.

Please click on the Registration Form button below, download the form to your computer, and complete the fields/print the form/save it to your computer, then return a copy to Julie Bando by email or by dropping it off in the Parish Office.