First Communion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How can I prepare my child for their First Reconciliation and First Communion?
As a family, go to Mass each week (in person or virtual from home) with your child to give them a better understanding of what they will receive in the Sacrament, to learn the prayers and responses and to practice genuflecting and kneeling in the pew. Attending Mass will also help your child recognize the sacredness of the Eucharist and learn about or Catholic faith.
Here is a link for the All Saints Mass Schedule: https://allsaintsvachurch.org/praying/worship/
Pray every day with your child. Children must know the following prayers in the language of their choosing: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
Read the Bible with your child. See this link for an online version of the Bible found at the Vatican website: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_INDEX.HTM
Review the sacrament of reconciliation with your child and practice the steps of the sacrament. Explain the sacrament and your experience of receiving the sacrament so that your child will be more comfortable. All parents registered for the sacrament will receive an email link to a video on reconciliation, and the All Saints guides to reconciliation.
Here is a link for the All Saints Mass Schedule: https://allsaintsvachurch.org/praying/worship/
Pray every day with your child. Children must know the following prayers in the language of their choosing: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
Read the Bible with your child. See this link for an online version of the Bible found at the Vatican website: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_INDEX.HTM
Review the sacrament of reconciliation with your child and practice the steps of the sacrament. Explain the sacrament and your experience of receiving the sacrament so that your child will be more comfortable. All parents registered for the sacrament will receive an email link to a video on reconciliation, and the All Saints guides to reconciliation.
Q. What are the Registration Requirements?
Two years of sacramental education in All Saints Religious Education, a parochial school, or an approved home school program is required. In addition, parents will need to submit an electronic registration form, a copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate, complete and current mailing address of church of Baptism, and $30.00 Sacrament Preparation Fee (no child is denied Sacraments if there is an inability to pay. Please contact Marylee Grabowski at 703-393-2142 ext. 215 or mgrabowski@allsaintsva.org for more information).
Q. When is the Registration deadline?
January 13, 2022
The registration deadline for the 2021-2022 catechetical year is January 13, 2022. The electronic registration form, copy of Baptismal Certificate, and sacrament preparation fee of $30 MUST ALL be submitted together at the same time.
The registration deadline for the 2021-2022 catechetical year is January 13, 2022. The electronic registration form, copy of Baptismal Certificate, and sacrament preparation fee of $30 MUST ALL be submitted together at the same time.
Q. How do I get the First Communion registration form?
Click on the link on this webpage: First Communion Registration. https://www.allsaintsreligiouseducation.org/first-communion.html
Q. How do I submit my First Communion registration documents?
Email the registration form and the scanned copy (or photo) of the baptismal certificate to: Tracy Polanco at the Religious Education Office at cifc@allsaintsva.org. If parents are not able to submit forms electronically, they should call Tracy Polanco at 703-393-2142 ext. 216. The fee may be paid online or in person.
Q. What do I do if I do not have a copy of my child’s Baptism certificate?
If your child was baptized at All Saints Catholic Church, go in person to the PARISH OFFICE to request a copy of their Baptism certificate.
If your child was baptized at another church, contact the church (by phone or in person) to request a copy of the certificate.
If your child was baptized at another church, contact the church (by phone or in person) to request a copy of the certificate.
Q. When is First Reconciliation?
February 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
First Reconciliation is scheduled to take place in the church on February 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. One parent MUST accompany the child receiving First Reconciliation.
If you are unable to attend on the 12th or if you would like to attend confession on a different day, you may take your child to any regularly scheduled confession beginning in February. As stated earlier, it is important that parents prepare their child for the sacrament and practice with them. More information will be forthcoming to all families of children registered for the sacrament.
First Reconciliation is scheduled to take place in the church on February 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. One parent MUST accompany the child receiving First Reconciliation.
If you are unable to attend on the 12th or if you would like to attend confession on a different day, you may take your child to any regularly scheduled confession beginning in February. As stated earlier, it is important that parents prepare their child for the sacrament and practice with them. More information will be forthcoming to all families of children registered for the sacrament.
Q. Will my child have a First Communion Retreat?
Grades 3-5: Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Grades 6-7: Saturday, February 26, 2022 time to be announced
Grade 2: Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 9:00am - 12:30pm
All students will have a First Communion Retreat. Out of an abundance of caution and safety measures, we will place the retreat participants in groups. We will make every possible effort to keep these groups distanced from each other and the groups will not mix for the duration of the retreat. We will follow all safety protocols that are in place at the time, including but not limited to, the wearing of masks.
A retreat registration form must be completed for the student to be placed on either retreat roster. This information will be emailed to you once your registration for the sacrament has been accepted.
The retreats are led by RE staff and volunteer catechists. Depending on our numbers, we may also be in need of parent volunteer group leaders and will send out more information as soon as it becomes available. All volunteers will need to be VIRTUS compliant.
Grades 6-7: Saturday, February 26, 2022 time to be announced
Grade 2: Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 9:00am - 12:30pm
All students will have a First Communion Retreat. Out of an abundance of caution and safety measures, we will place the retreat participants in groups. We will make every possible effort to keep these groups distanced from each other and the groups will not mix for the duration of the retreat. We will follow all safety protocols that are in place at the time, including but not limited to, the wearing of masks.
A retreat registration form must be completed for the student to be placed on either retreat roster. This information will be emailed to you once your registration for the sacrament has been accepted.
The retreats are led by RE staff and volunteer catechists. Depending on our numbers, we may also be in need of parent volunteer group leaders and will send out more information as soon as it becomes available. All volunteers will need to be VIRTUS compliant.
Q. When are the spring 2022 First Communion Masses? May I choose my child’s sacrament Mass?
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Each Mass will have a rehearsal. The rehearsal for the 11:00 a.m. Mass will be held on Monday, May 2nd at 7:00 p.m. The rehearsal for the 1:00 p.m. Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. After the registration deadline in January, we will send a Mass sign-up to all those who have turned in their child’s completed registration, and families will be able to choose their child’s Mass. The 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Masses will both be bilingual.
Q. What are the expectations for attire for girls for the First Communion Mass?
Girls receiving the sacraments should wear a modest-cut dress or skirt, knee-length or longer. A white or pastel color is preferred. Alternatively, they may wear trousers of any color. The dress or top must have sleeves of a minimum of 3-inch wide shoulder straps. No flip-flops are permitted. They may wear flowers in their hair, a tiara or a veil if they would like, but it is not required. They should not carry purses or anything in their hands. This includes Bibles, rosaries and candles.
Q. What are the expectations for attire for boys for the First Communion Mass?
Boys receiving the sacraments should wear dress pants, dress shirt, and dress shoes. They can wear a suit, but this is not a requirement. The color of the suit or pants can be traditional white or another color (gray, dark blue, black, khaki, etc.). The shirt can be white but does not have to be. It should be a dress shirt and not a polo. They may also wear a vest, jacket, and/or tie, but these are not required. They should not wear earrings or carry anything in their hands. This includes Bibles, rosaries, and candles.
Q. Is a sponsor (padrino/madrina) needed for First Communion?
No.
Q. Can my family hire a Photographer/Videographer?
At their First Communion Mass, children are encountering Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time. This is the most important reason why we are gathering in this Mass is so that our children can encounter Christ as they receive Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This is first and foremost a sacred moment, therefore it is not appropriate to take pictures or video during Mass. It is especially inappropriate to walk in the aisle for a photo while a child is receiving Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament for the first time. Professional videographers and photographers will not be permitted to set up any equipment, including tripods, to record or photograph the Mass.
Q. Can my family come early or stay after Mass to take pictures?
Yes.