First Communion Celebrations will be held on Saturday and Sunday during regularly scheduled Masses. Celebrations begins April 23 and conclude May 15. If you have not scheduled your child's celebration of First Communion, please contact Christine Ikels at 83-625-4531 ext. 216. 

A few things to remember for the celebration:

• PRACTICE AT HOME! Please make sure you are practicing with your child how to receive the Eucharist in the hand or on the tongue. 
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to Mass. Children will rehearse processing in and receiving the Eucharist.
• No picture taking during Mass. A photographer has been hired and will be taking a photo of the children as they recieve the Eucharist for the first time. A 4x6 picture will be gifted to you by our pastor, Fr. Steven Gamez. If you are interested in purchasing additional photos, this can also be done.

Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two-year formation process set by the USCCB and the Archdiocese of San Antonio. This process begins in 1^st grade where the child receives a year of foundational catechesis. In 2nd grade, the child participates in formation and preparation to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. 

However, we recognize that sometimes this is not always the case. Therefore, a child who is in 2^nd-5^thgrade and is in need of these sacraments will begin the two-year formation process at their grade level with their peers. If you have a child who is 7 years or older (baptized or unbaptized), their second year of formation and preparation is in the Christian Initiation of Children; adapted from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. (Vatican II, Constitution on the Church, 31) Children in 3rd - 5th grade will be fully initiated and received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Children will receive the Sacraments of Baptism (if needed), Confirmation and Holy Communion. 
 
Sacramental Preparation Covenant
We ask our families to enter into a covenant with God along with their child and Sts. Peter and Paul Faith Formation. Our primary goal is to help lead your family into a deeper relationship with God and His Church.
 
Teaching Mass
The Mass is the highest form of prayer we have in the Church. It is the active participation of all that come together in the sanctuary. We do not come to Mass simply to receive something passively or to watch a show; we come as participants embracing the grace Christ pours out for us shed by His own blood on the cross. We will offer all families in Faith Formation an opportunity to learn more about the Mass with three Teaching Masses. These events will be offered on three seperate dates in the church. You and your child may select any date to attend. This will be a required element for children preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Communion.