Austin Diocese Guidelines: Any baptized Catholic child who has reached the age of reason (7 years of age and attended religious education classes in the first grade and is now in the second grade) is eligible to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist, usually referred to as First Communion.

Eligibility: Children ages 7 and older in the 2nd grade and above need to be enrolled and participating in comprehensive catechesis (parish faith formation sessions or Catholic School religion classes) for at least two years immediately prior to reception of the Sacrament. Generally, first grade would be considered Year One and Second grade would be considered Year Two.  Children in grades 3 - 5 also need the two years of comprehensive catechesis to be eligible. During the second year of faith formation or religion class, families participate in their parish sacramental preparation program. 

Family Preparation: The St. John Neumann's Family Sacrament Preparation program includes a two hour parent/child retreat for each sacrament (First Reconciliation and First Communion) as well as working together with the child at home to complete lessons focusing on each Sacrament. Families choose one of the two retreat dates offered for each of the Sacraments. 

St. John Neumann Parish families with children in 1st grade or in their first year of Faith Formation or Religion Class:

Register your child in Faith Formation or Catholic School this school year for the first of the two required years of catechesis prior to reception of First Communion. SJN registration for 2024-25 Faith Formation is now open.

St. John Neumann Parish families with children in 2nd-5th grades and in their second year of Faith Formation or Religion Class:

Step 1: Register your child in Faith Formation or Catholic School this school year for the second of the two required years of catechesis prior to reception of First Communion.  

Step 2: Families with eligible children in 2nd - 5th grades enrolled in the 2024-2025 Faith Formation Program or Catholic School will be sent a link in late September to also register for the 2024-2025 Family Sacrament Preparation program.