Preparing for First Communion

Which children are eligible to enter this program?
All the following criterion must be met for a child to be eligible to participate:

• The child has been baptized in the Catholic Church 
• The child is in second grade or above 
• The child has participated in at least one year of religious education in either a parish program, Catholic School, or home based religious education program, and 
• The child's family is registered at St. Augustine Church 

What basic requirements need to be satisfied?
To successfully complete this program of sacramental preparation the following requirements must be met:

• Registration form completed and returned to the Faith Formation Office by September 20, 2010. 
• A copy of the child's Baptism Certificate delivered to the Director of Faith Formation no later than December 1, 2010. 
• Parents and children attend Mass every Sunday during the preparation period. 
• Parents and children attend all preparation sessions as indicated 
• Parents and children commit to home based preparation time using the resources provided 
• Parents and children pray regularly at home 

Can I check out the schedule for class dates in advance?
The complete schedule for the 2010-2011 First Communion Preparation program is available for you to view by clicking the Meetings Schedule tab on the left.  Before registering for this program, please be sure all the times and dates work within your schedule.  Please remember parents and children attend all the sessions together!

Is there a fee for the First Communion Preparation Program?
Because access to the sacraments is a fundamental right of every Catholic, there is no mandated cost for this program.  Your regular giving in the Sunday collection defrays some of the costs of this Faith Formation program.  Parents will be asked to purchase a scrapbook for use by each child in this program.  Specifications for this will be spelled out at the orientation meeting.

How do I register my child for this program?
There are two ways you can register your child. 

1. You can complete a on line registration form for First Communion by following this link: Registration Form.
2. You can pick up a printed flyer on First Communion preparation at the church office and return the registration form that is a part of that flyer. 

Who do I ask for more information?
For additional questions or concerns regarding this program or any other aspect of Faith Formation at St. Augustine contact Tom Rinkoski, Director.  He can be reached by phone at (352) 372-3533, ext. 152 or by e-mail to tomrinkoski@yahoo.com.