The Church believes and professes that “By the consecration the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ…and under the consecrated species of bread and wine Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity” (CCC# 1413).

For Catholics, the Eucharist is the "source and summit" of the Christian life (cf. CCC# 1324).

Children eligible to receive First Reconciliation and First Communion are those who have reached the “age of reason” – that is, are at least 7 years old and are in 2nd grade. 

• A copy of the child's baptismal certificate will be required
• Family must be registered with our parish
• The Diocese of Venice requires 2 years of Sacramental Prep.  This means in Grade 1 they are required to attend Family Formation or a Catholic school.  Year 2 preparation (2nd grade) they must attend Family Formation Sacramental Preparation classes with an 80% attendance record.
• First Reconcilliation is typically in December and First Communion in May in Year 2 preparation.
• By Year 2 in May, your child should be able to recite the Our Father, Hail Mary, Act of Contrition, and be able to make an Examination of Conscience.
• Your child must attend Mass on Saturday Vigil or Sunday and all Holy Days of Obligation (noted on the calendar).
• If any of these criteria are not met, your child will not be permitted to receive First Communion without further preparation.

Watch the Video

To register for Sacramental Preparation, Please contact Joyce Barrett, CRE at (941) 624-3799.

To learn more about the Sacrament of the Eucharist click here.