Contact Information
Julie Niemeyer 319-234-9912 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 or sent home from St. Edward School. Included will be dates for Parent Information meetings about preparation for First Sacraments - and First Reconciliation in particular - that will be held in October. 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 January. Choose to attend one of these parent information meetings:
* If you cannot attend one of the parent meetings, contact Julie Niemeyer to arrange for a make-up session.
Celebrations of First Communion -- Spring 2021
Children normally celebrate First Communion in the parish where the family belongs. First Communions will be scheduled for the four weeks following Easter. First Communion weekends are as follows.
*Indicates a Mass for First Communicants and their families only; it is not a regular parish Mass. Others listed are regular parish Masses with a limited number of First Communicants.
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 student and family materials, retreat supplies, and celebration costs for each of the First Sacraments. More information about the schedule for lessons will be given at the parent meeting.
* For children participating in the home-schooling option for religious education, 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 - Eucharist Retreat
A sacrament retreat will enhance learning through interactive experiences with the child and parent. All second grade students from the Waterloo Catholic parishes who are preparing for First Communion will attend a Eucharist Retreat. Retreats are held at Sacred Heart Church.
Rehearsals and First Communion Photos
Due to efforts to limit gatherings and ensure social distancing, there will be no rehearsals this year. Likewise, there will not be a professional photographer to take the large group or individual photos.
First Communion Dress Code
Children should wear their "Sunday best". Slacks and dress shirt, tie or vest/sweater are appropriate for boys; some boys wear a suit. A modest dress is appropriate for girls. White dresses are common, but not required; a veil may be worn, but it is not required.
General Requirements for First Communion
• 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.