Preparation for First Eucharist at the Church of St. Pius X is accomplished through a combination of home and parish preparation sessions. Children celebrate the sacrament when parents, child and coordinator agree the child is ready. This usually occurs after receiving First Reconciliation in the second grade. Parent Orientation is in early January with First Eucharist being celebrated in early May.

The Sacramental Program requires:

1. Attend a parent session for information and exploration of the process and procedures of preparation to receive First Eucharist. The parent session runs 1 1/2 hour and is required for your child to receive the sacrament. The parent session will include:
   • Explanation of the Sacramental Program as a whole.
   • Specific discussion of parent's role in preparing their child for the sacraments.
   • Explanation of the option of a child receiving the sacrament with their class or with their family.
   • Background and sharing experiences; view a video.
   • Discussion of questions or concerns parents may have.
   • Distribution and explanation of the home-study text, First Eucharist, by Sadlier.

2. Complete a Parent-Child Learning Center experience. The Learning Center experience takes about 1 1/2 hour to complete. It is an important opportunity for your child and you to come together and study various aspects of the sacrament. This Learning experience is required.
3. Participate in home-study using the text, First Eucharist, by Sadlier and other provided materials.
4. Attend the formal and continuous preparation during Faith Formation classes on Wednesday afternoons or within our day school.
5. Attend a mini-retreat for all students to develop community faith and sharing.
6. Participate in Sunday liturgy every weekend. Each family will be assigned a date to bring up the gifts at Mass. On this day, a parish volunteer will bake a loaf of bread for the family to be taken home and shared at a main meal. The parish will also acknowledge your child in the Mass intentions and the bulletin. This will be done at a weekend liturgy in February, March, April or May.
7. Partake in prayer partnering with another member of the parish during your preparation time. Attend a dessert party prior to the reception of the sacrament.
8. Student interview with the Pastor, Associate Pastor or Pastoral Minister to determine readiness for the reception of the sacrament.
9. Receive the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to preparation.