In the Diocese of Richmond, First Reconciliation is usually made and Holy Communion is usually received in 2nd Grade (around age 7). At STA, this means First Reconciliation is scheduled in early December and First Communion in early May. Please read the guidelines that are applicable to your family:
PARISH CLASSES (held Sundays, 10:15-11:15am) Students enrolled in our second grade RE class are assumed to be preparing for First Sacraments as well. The fall semester focuses on the sacrament of Reconciliation, while the spring looks more closely at the Eucharist. For students older than 2nd grade, please see the information below.
registration in RE (Elementary Ed & First Sacraments Preparation)
submission of AN OFFICIAL AND RECENTLY ISSUED BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE. This can be obtained by contacting your child's baptismal parish, and can be sent directly to St. Thomas Aquinas (Attn: Caroline Golomb, 401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22903).
HOMESCHOOLED STUDENTS Students are welcome to prepare through homeschooling methods, but there are still requirements to be fulfilled at the parish (e.g. retreat day, meeting with CRE). Please contact the CRE if you would like to receive the second grade texts we use in class.
participation in all mandatory First Sacraments events
submission of AN OFFICIAL AND RECENTLY ISSUED BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE. This can be obtained by contacting your child's baptismal parish, and can be sent directly to St. Thomas Aquinas (Attn: Caroline Golomb, 401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22903).
meeting with pastor or his delegate before First Communion
CHARLOTTESVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS Though some preparation will occur at school for 2nd grade CCS students, there are still some parish requirements to be met as well (e.g. retreat day, meeting with CRE). Please register early so we can be aware that your child is intending to receive the sacraments with this year's cohort.
participation in all mandatory First Sacraments events
submission of AN OFFICIAL AND RECENTLY ISSUED BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE. This can be obtained by contacting your child's baptismal parish, and can be sent directly to St. Thomas Aquinas (Attn: Caroline Golomb, 401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22903).
CHILDREN OLDER THAN 2ND GRADE WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED FIRST SACRAMENTS If your child is older than 2nd grade and preparing for First Sacraments this year, he or she should also enroll in the grade-level RE class or homeschool program that best fits. These students still attend our First Sacraments events, like the retreat day and meetings with the CRE.
participation in all mandatory First Sacraments events
submission of AN OFFICIAL AND RECENTLY ISSUED BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE. This can be obtained by contacting your child's baptismal parish, and can be sent directly to St. Thomas Aquinas (Attn: Caroline Golomb, 401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22903).
meeting with pastor or his delegate before First Communion