Contact Information
Julie Niemeyer 234-9912   dbqwcfs@dbqarch.org or jniemeyerff@gmail.com 
Waterloo Catholic Faith Formation Office. 319-233-0498

Children need to celebrate their First Reconciliation prior to First Communion. Second graders prepare for First Reconciliation in the fall, and for First Communion in the second semester. 

Parent Meetings 
Letters to families of 2nd graders will be mailed in late-August. Included will be dates for Parent Information meetings about preparation for First Sacraments - and First Reconciliation in particular - that will be held in late-September*. Families that do not receive an information letter in the mail by early September should contact Julie Niemeyer. 

Information about immediate preparation for First Communion will be sent to parents in December. 

* If you cannot attend one of the parent meetings, contact Julie Niemeyer to arrange for a make-up session. 


Celebrations of First Communion in Spring, 2020 
Children normally celebrate First Communion in the parish where the family belongs.

Parish Celebration Dates

• Blessed Sacrament Parish - at all Masses the weekend of April 18/19; Rehearsal and photos on Saturday, April 18 starting at 9am
• Sacred Heart Parish - at 5:30 Mass on April 25 and 10:45 Mass on April 26. Rehearsal and photos on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 pm
• Queen of Peace Parish - at 9:00 Mass and Noon Mass on April 26. Rehearsals on Saturday, April 25 (12:30 rehearsal for 9:00 Mass, 1:30 rehearsal for Noon)
• St. Edward Parish - at 5:15 Mass on May 2 and 11:00 Mass on May 3; Rehearsal and photos on Thursday, April 30 starting at 5:30pm. 

Preparation Program Format and Fees 
The school/religious education and the parents work together for their child's immediate preparation for First Communion.* There is a $25 fee for each sacrament. The fee is for student and family materials, retreat supplies, and celebration costs.  More information about the schedule for lessons will be given at the parent meeting. 

* For children who completed their religious education in the Summer RE program, the immediate preparation for First Communion will be entirely a home study. Parents of these children will receive the student books and the support materials at the parent meeting. 


Sacrament Retreats
Sacrament Retreats enhance learning through interactive experiences with the child and parent. An optional Reconciliation Retreat is offered on a Saturday morning in mid-November. All second grade students from the Waterloo Catholic parishes who are preparing for First Communion will attend a Eucharist Retreat in late February. It is offered at three different days and times. 

Rehearsals and First Communion Photos
Children attend the rehearsal at the parish where s/he will celebrate their first Communion.  Parents receive information in advance about ordering group and individual photos from the professional photographer. 

First Communion Dress Code 
Children should wear their "Sunday best" -- slacks and dress shirt, tie or sweater are appropriate for boys; a modest dress is appropriate for girls. 
White shirts and white dresses are common, but not required.

General Requirements for First Communion

• Children must be at least 7 years old, be baptized and have celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).  Children should be enrolled in a Catholic school or religious education program (or have participated in Summer religious education).
• At least one parent or guardian must be a practicing Catholic who is registered in one of the Waterloo parishes. Parents should be providing a nurturing environment for Catholic faith and should be actively participating in their child's faith formation.

• If your child is not baptized or has not celebrated Reconciliation, contact Julie Niemeyer
• If your child was not baptized in one of the Waterloo parishes, you will need to provide a copy of the child's Baptism Certificate.  

Parent Evaluation
Your opinions and suggestions are important to us.  Please take a moment to evaluate your family's experience with preparation for First Communion. An evaluation form will be posted here at the end of the preparation process.