First Penance and First Holy Communion Preparation
First Penance and First Holy Communion Preparation (Ages 7–12) is required for children preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion. Now enrolling for the 2026–2027
Class Structure
- Class session: The catechist provides a lesson with a short video by a priest. Each class begins with a decade of the Rosary and ends with a prayer.
- Post-class work: Families are encouraged to review the lesson handout with their child.
Class Calendar and Locations
Class meets weekly for ~45 minutes. Our academic year starts after Labor Day in September and runs through May. The class meets every Sunday from 10:30-11:15 am (after the 9:30 am Sunday Mass) at Stella Maris Academy School. We will provide directions about the class location upon registration. You can download the class calendar here
Expectations Inside and Outside the Classroom
We expect class participants to actively participate during class and to complete any assigned homework after class.
We expect participants to be on time for class. Children with more than 3 unexcused absences will not be eligible to receive their sacraments.
We ask families enrolled in our program to live and model the Catholic faith by actively:
- To attend Mass with their children every Sunday at Star of the Sea.
- Praying daily with their children. We encourage families to pray the Rosary together, at least once a week.
- Participate in parish activities or events if possible.
Our understanding and practice of the faith deepen through community life outside the classroom. We invite parents to join our Hospitality gatherings each Sunday after the 9:30 am and 11:30 am Masses, as well as at other parish events and social activities.
Eligibility to Receive the Sacraments
In addition to having fewer than three unexcused absences, children in the sacramental preparation classes will be required to pass an exit interview at the end of the school year to be eligible to receive the Sacrament. This includes First Confession, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Fr. Joseph Illo, pastor, will conduct the exit interviews with the children and their parents.
Registration Fee
Tuition is $100 per child.
Payment options: Cash or check for Star of the Sea Church. Memo: “Children’s Catechism Program”. Your tuition will pay for the required texts. No child will be turned away because of financial need. We are pleased to offer scholarships.