About
Preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation
Preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation usually takes place during the 1st and 2nd Grades and is coordinated by our Director of Faith Formation. In addition to religious instruction at a Catholic elementary school or during regular PSR sessions, sacramental preparation will take place throughout the year, leading up to First Reconciliation in January and First Holy Communion during the Easter Season.
Registering for First Reconciliation and First Communion
Sacramental Intent Forms for First Reconciliation and First Communion 2027 were emailed on 7-22-26 to our registered PSR families and SJJ families who are registered at St. Joseph Catholic Church. If you have a child who attends a different Catholic school you may click here to access the Sacramental Intent Form. Contact the Faith Formation Office if you have any questions.
Important Dates
- First Reconciliation Parent Meeting will be on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Holy Family Center. This is for parents only (children do not need to be here)
- First Reconciliation will be on Saturday, January 23, 2027 at 10:00 AM in the church. A light reception will follow in the Holy Family Center.
- DATE CHANGE: First Communion Parent Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 9, 2027 from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Holy Family Center. This is for parents only (children do not need to be here)
- Growing with Jesus: First Communion Retreat for children and their parents will be on Saturday, April 24, 2027 from 9:00-11:00 AM in the Holy Family Center.
- First Communion Mass will be on Saturday, May 8, 2027 at 11:00 AM.
Please check this webpage regularly for updates regarding sacramental preparation.
How to Access FORMED Online
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the First Reconciliation meeting on 9-29-2026. As a follow-up to that meeting, Fr. Andy has asked that every family create an account on FORMED so they will have access to a wide variety of video presentations, movies, and educational series. Below are the directions for signing up for FORMED. Once you have created an account, we are asking parents to locate the “Forgiven” series, and to watch the first episode. To access FORMED:
- Go to Formed.org/signup
- Enter your email and retrieve a code
- Enter your name
- Select “St. Joseph Parish” with zip code 44136
- Enjoy the selections on Formed
Suggested Dress for First Communion
For Boys: We ask that boys wear dress pants or school uniform pants (any color, usually black, navy blue or khaki); a dress shirt with a collar (long or short sleeved, any color) with a tie; and dress shoes (not sneakers or athletic shoes).
For Girls: We ask that girls wear a dress and dress shoes. That being said, most girls will wear a white dress (various lengths, all OK), with white shoes (watch the heels – they need to walk in them!) and something in their hair (veil, crown, wreath, bow).
We should not let the outfit overshadow the significance of the day.
Act of Contrition
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you, whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance,
to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.
Amen.
Contact
- Linda Zvoncheck, 440-238-5555, ext. 107 or lzvoncheck@sjohio.org
