Requirements

 💦Your child must be Baptized in the Catholic Church.  If your child is baptized in another Christian faith, they must work with the Director of Faith Formation, Mrs. Colleen Gerke, to make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church.  If unbaptized, work with Colleen Gerke to complete the preparation for Baptism before January 31, 2023.

General Requirements
According to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. “this preparation is neither age nor grade dictated”.  Throughout the Archdiocese and at St. Clement Church, the traditional time for youth to prepare and celebrate First Communion is in the second grade but it can be anytime time the parents, pastor, and Director of Faith Formation determine is supportive of the family and child.

The minimum requirements are:
         The ability to distinguish ordinary bread from Eucharist
         The knowledge of the mysteries of faith according to his/her ability
        o   Participation in Sunday Eucharist
        o   Community activity
        o   Ask for and give forgiveness
         The desire to receive Jesus

Conon Law (Church Law) mandates that the decision of readiness to receive Jesus in Holy Communion for the first-time rest primarily with the parents in consultation with the pastor.  Meaningful preparation leads to a lifelong celebration of the Eucharist.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati requires that children prepare for the celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) prior to First Communion.

Requirements Unique to St. Clement
👉You must complete a St. Clement First Communion Information Form  (Click here for English or here for Spanish) by January 31, 2023.  It provides all the information needed to record the reception of First Communion at St. Clement.  Your child will appreciate the canonical records when they are ready to celebrate Confirmation, decide to marry or become a priest, deacon, religious brother, or sister. 

👉Your child is to have a desire to be an active member of the Catholic Church  by attending Sunday Mass and be participating in religious education through St. Clement School, another Catholic School, or a program provided by the Director of Faith Formation.  Mass is livestreamed.  You can access the live stream on our website at www.stclementcincinnati.org or on Facebook@StClementCincinnati on Saturday at 4pm, Sunday at 9:30am and noon in Spanish.  You can also celebrate Mass any time during the week at www.stclementcincinnati.org or on Facebook.

👉You and your child are to attend Family Sessions.  The entire family is welcome to attend.  We realize you have busy calendars.  If a parent cannot attend, another adult such as a godparent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or a high school sibling may attend with your child.  Mark your calendar with the following dates below.  Each of these sessions are on a Sunday from 10:45 AM until 11;45 Am except March 31, 2023 which is during the school day.

            

👉 Celebrate First Reconciliation before First Communion.  This can be done at the Parish Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service TBA (to be announced), or on Saturdays at 3:00pm, or by appointment.  For an appointment, call the Parish Office at (513)641-3176.

👉 Celebrate First Communion, Each family will celebrate at the Mass of their choice throughout the  spring beginning April 15 - 30, 2023.   Masses will accommodate 4 families at a time.  Each family will have one pew reserved.  If you are related to another family celebrating First Communion, please select your date as soon as possible.  Click here to schedule your child's First Communion  date.