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?
The registration deadline for the 2020-2021 catechetical year is January 15, 2021. 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 tpolanco@allsaintsva.org. The fee may be paid at https://www.allsaintsreligiouseducation.org/firstcommunionpayment.html. If parents are not able to submit forms electronically, they should call Tracy Polanco at 703-393-2142 ext. 216.
Q. When is First Reconciliation?
First Reconciliation is scheduled to take place in the church on April 17, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. depending on your assigned class time. One parent MUST accompany the child receiving First Reconciliation. More information will be forthcoming to all families of children registered for the sacrament.
Q. How will First Reconciliation be held in light of the coronavirus?
At this time, the parish is still developing the spring sacrament procedures. Further information will be emailed in advance of First Reconciliation to all families of children registered for the sacrament.
Q. Will my child have a First Communion Retreat?
The First Communion retreat for 2nd graders was on February 27, 2021 and the First Communion retreat for grades 3-5 was on February 20, 2021. The First Communion retreat for grades 6-7 will be on March 27th, 2021.
Q. How will the First Communion retreats be held in light of coronavirus?
The retreats are virtual retreats held via Zoom. For children who missed the retreat date, a recorded version will be available for them to participate in with their families. This information will be emailed to all families of children registered for the sacrament.
Q. When are the spring 2021 First Communion Masses? May I choose my child’s sacrament Mass?
The First Communion Masses will be held in May of 2021. At this time, the parish is still developing the spring sacrament procedures. Further information, including Mass dates and times and rehearsal dates and times will be emailed in advance of the sacrament Masses to all families of children registered for the sacrament.
Q. How will First Communion Masses be held in light of coronavirus?
At this time, the parish is still developing the spring sacrament procedures. Further information will be emailed in advance of the sacrament Masses to all families of children registered for the sacrament.
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. 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?
At this time, the parish is still developing the spring sacrament procedures. Further information will be emailed in advance of First Communion to all families of children registered for the sacrament.