Preparation for First Holy Communion requires a minimum of two consecutive years of family commitment. It is designed to help children grow in their understanding and love of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, the great gift of the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus. It also helps them learn about God's mercy as they prepare for receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Children are guided to understand and the importance of participating fully and reverently in the Mass.  

Enrollment in sacramental preparation includes an expectation for families to participate in Parent and Child formation gatherings in addition to the weekly sessions.  Grade level sessions will also require parent participation. Family participation in Sunday Mass, parent meetings and sacramental activities is an important part of the program.

Weekly sessions (Tuesday and Wednesday) are offered in English and (Friday) Spanish in St. Joseph, Elk Grove and every Sunday after Mass in our Mission Church of St. Vincent de Paul, Rancho Murieta.

To learn more about our CFF program, please contact:

Sr. Maria Hermenia Maravillas, RVM
Director of Faith Formation

916-685-3681 ext. 124

It is within the family where children are raised and formed as human beings.  
The parental role in this human formation is governed by love, 
a love which places itself "at the service of children to draw forth from them ("e-ducere") the best that is in them
 "and which" finds is fullest expression precisely in the task, of educating." 
(Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, No. 239)  

That is why the family may be called the "first school." 
 The parental duty to educate children comes tied to a right.  
Parents are the "original and primary" educators of their children, 
and their duties as well as their rights are "irreplaceable and inalienable." 
(Compendium, No. 239) The duty is non-delegable.