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First Reconciliation & Communion
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sacrament prep team
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Cynthia Guadiana (Español)c.guadianadbqarch.orgHispanic Ministry, Sacramental Prep, Faith Formation Admin -
Father Michael McAndrew (Español)Priest on Sabbatical
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RegisterRegistration details can be found on the Faith Formation Page.
Sacrament records are required to enroll in a Sacrament Preparation class and must be submitted before the first class in September. If you need to request them from another parish, please allow extra time! -
important dates
Preparation Classes
Held Wednesdays, 6:45–8:00 pm, from September through April.First Reconciliation
Celebrated during a regular class session in the spring. Parents will receive advance notice and are invited to attend.Parent Meeting
Typically the Sunday or Wednesday before the event.Holy Communion Masses
Saturday, April 18, 2026
St. Joseph, Chelsea
Sunday, April 19, 2026
St. Michael, Belle Plaine
St. Patrick, Tama (Bilingual)
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Preparation guidelinesAt Circle of Saints, First Reconciliation and First Communion are typically celebrated in 2nd grade as part of our Faith Formation program. If your child is older and has not yet received these sacraments, we invite you to contact the parish office so we can ensure they are included in this year’s preparation.
To Participate, Children Must:- Be in 2nd grade or older
- Attended Faith Formation last year and/or weekly Mass
- Be enrolled in this year’s Faith Formation classes
What Parents Need to Know- Baptism Record: A copy of your child’s Baptism certificate must be submitted to the Church Office before the first class.
- Not Baptized or Baptized in Another Tradition? Please contact the Parish Office before preparation begins so we can assist you.
Register- Visit the Faith Formation page to Register Online or call the Cluster Office at 641-484-3039 to register
- Be sure to indicate your child will be preparing for First Communion
- Registration and baptism records must be submitted before the first class, along with an indication that your child will be preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion.
Family Support- Consistent class attendance is essential. While we understand occasional absences may happen, regular participation helps your child grow in faith and readiness.
- Parent involvement is an important part of the journey. At least one parent or guardian should attend all scheduled parent meetings.
- We also ask parents to attend their child’s First Reconciliation and First Communion Mass.
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FORMATIONWe are excited to partner with you in preparing your child for their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. During sacrament preparation classes, your child will explore lessons on forgiveness, reconciliation, and the Eucharist. They will have hands-on opportunities to practice reverence in the sanctuary, including holding the chalice and paten. Together, we will walk through the elements of the Mass, and the children will also have the chance to taste unconsecrated hosts and wine as part of their preparation. Our goal is to help each child grow in faith, understanding, and readiness to fully participate in these sacred sacraments.
During a regular sacramental preparation class in the Spring—children will celebrate their First Reconciliation during a Wednesday evening session. Parents will be invited to attend and will receive advance notification with all the details. Later in the spring, the children will participate in their First Holy Communion Mass. A parent meeting will be held beforehand to help families prepare for this special occasion. -
for the Mass
DRESS GUIDELINES We want this special day to feel joyful and meaningful for every child and family. We encourage wearing white to symbolize purity and the joy of this sacred occasion. Here are a few suggestions to help with preparation:
- For Boys: dark pants, dark shoes, white shirt, tie.
- For Girls: white or ivory dress, white or ivory shoes, white or ivory tights or socks, veil or gloves (optional).
- If your daughter chooses to wear gloves, please make sure she knows to remove them before receiving Communion. A floral crown or a simple hair accessory is a lovely alternative to a veil.
- If your daughter will be wearing a fuller dress, please help her practice walking and moving comfortably in it—especially when approaching and returning from the pew.
PHOTO GUIDELINES- Before Mass, feel free to take pictures with your First Communion student and as the children are seated.
- Once Mass begins, photos and videos are not appropriate, and we kindly ask that you share this with relatives & friends to help maintain a prayerful atmosphere for the children. Thank you for understanding.
- After Mass, a group photo will be taken, you are welcome to take individual photos with the priest and deacon.
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