First Holy Communion
Children ages 7-10 are eligible for to participate in OXYGEN, our first reconciliation & communion program.
If you have an older child who needs to prepare, please email us at faithformation@sjwest.org so we can discuss your options.
Why is it called “Oxygen” and what is the experience like?
On average, you take 12-20 breaths a minute. Oxygen is essential for you to live. We call our first reconciliation and communion program “Oxygen” because Holy Communion is our spiritual oxygen. Without Jesus, we can do nothing. We hope this process will help you grow in your love for our sacramental Lord!
You and your child will attend four mini interactive retreats in preparation for receiving First Holy Communion. These retreats are a chance to come together as part of our St. John’s community, growing in faith and learning more about these beautiful sacraments.
We offer a Fall and a Spring track which gives your family the opportunity to receive these sacraments twice in a year.
At St. John’s, we believe that you—the parent or guardian—are the primary educator of your child in the faith. We are here to walk alongside you on this journey. Throughout the process, we’ll provide you with everything you need: resources, prayers, and encouragement to support and guide you every step of the way.
All I Have To Do are Four Mini Retreats?
The only formal instruction we offer are four mini retreats. But preparation for the sacraments is about much more than checking off a list of requirements. We invite you to see this journey less like a checklist and more like a road trip—an adventure with an end goal, filled with meaningful experiences along the way to help your family grow closer to each other and to God.
By offering fewer formal sessions, we want to give you the freedom to practice your faith more intentionally at home. As a parish, we excel at providing shared faith experiences for your family you couldn’t have on your own. Yet the deepest spiritual growth in your child will come from what they obverse you doing in your daily life—attending Mass, praying together, and making time for intentional faith building experiences at home we’ll provide for you. Along the way, our process will also help you recognize the signs of spiritual growth in your child and give you practical ways to encourage that growth. As you notice these signs—increasing desire to pray, greater awareness of God’s presence, or a deeper love for others—you’ll gain confidence that they have achieved “spiritual readiness” and are truly ready to receive the Sacrament.
If you are striving to intentionally live your faith, these experiences will not only help your child grow but will transform your spiritual journey as well
What are the retreats like?
During your retreats, you’ll enjoy a variety of meaningful and engaging activities. You’ll hear from a few guest speakers, spend time in Adoration, and create a craft together. Children will have fun playing games and working on hands-on projects designed to help them reflect on the sacraments.
Best of all, lunch will be provided!
If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance—we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Both the parent and the child will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Reconciliation retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop my child off at the retreat?
No, this is designed for a fun way to interact with your child, all while learning about the sacraments.
What if I can’t make it to one of the retreats?
No problem! That’s why we hold this 2 times a year. If you miss one date in the fall, we may move you to the spring process. If you miss one date in the spring, we may issue you a refund and ask you to sign up for the fall or spring in our next cycle.
If my kids attend a Catholic School or a Home School program, do they still need to attend sacramental preparation at St. John since they receive religious formation somewhere else?
In the Archdiocese of Baltimore, preparation for all sacraments takes place within the parish community. While Catholic schools and homeschool programs provide valuable supplemental formation, essential elements such as the gathering in person with the broader Church community cannot be fully replicated outside the parish experience.
What if I have an older child that needs to receive First Confession or First Holy Communion?
Our Oxygen program is built for families with children ages 7-10 years old. Contact the parish offices and we will let you know about the opportunities for your child to receive those sacraments.
I’m not a parishioner of St John’s, can I still sign up?
All participants must be registered with St John’s Catholic Church in Westminster for 1 year. If you do not have a home parish, you should start by registering at St. John
How do I know if my child is ready to receive a sacrament?
Readiness is not any one particular aspect. It is a mixture of being engaged in the Church community, a desire to receive and knowledge of the faith. The parents/guardians are usually the best at knowing this. We have designed a “Readiness Rubric” to help you decide. If you need guidance, please reach out to one of us on the Faith Formation Team.
What if my child feels nervous when receiving the sacrament?
Feeling nervous about something new is normal. Help your child by practicing what to expect at home. Pray with your child and share about a time you felt nervous and how you got through it.
Will food be provided for the retreats?
Yes!
Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions, we are happy to accommodate your dietary needs.
What to wear for First Holy Communion Mass?
- Traditionally, girls wear a white or ivory dress and veil (in similar style to a flower girl dress). If your child will be receiving the Blessed Sacrament in her hands, gloves are not allowed during the reception of Holy Communion.
- Boys are encouraged to wear a suit and tie. Suits can be white, navy, black, grey, or tan.
- Outfits are available in the Portico Sacrament Shop, which is located in the old Bookstore. Clothing is first-come, first-served and entirely donation-based. All is free. To see what items we have, please contact Kristy at kniederberger@sjwest.org
Can we hang a banner on the pew?
No. This will be a regular Mass; we don’t have the space to provide for the banners. You are welcome to make a banner at home. If you need additional resources or materials, please let us know, and we are happy to provide them for you.
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Archdiocesan Policies Regarding
the Preparation of Holy Communion
The Archdiocese of Baltimore provides its parishes with sacramental guidelines for preparation that follow the practices of the Universal Church.
If you are interested in reading more about the guidelines for Holy Communion preparation, they can be found using the links below.
ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE SACRAMENTAL GUIDELINES FOR FIRST EUCHARIST