QUICK LINKS: 2026-2027 Registration | Family Faith Formation (Grades K-7) | First Reconciliation & First Communion Preparation (Grade 2+) | Confirmation Preparation (Grade 8+)
10:15-11:00am following the Sunday 9:00am Family Mass
(Powers Hall at St. John/Parish Hall at St. Paul)
OPENING SESSION:
Introduction to the Sacrament Year
Sunday, November 8 at St. Paul
(2026-2027 Session Schedule and Monthly At-Home Discipleship below.)
All sessions are Family Sessions (children and parent/s together.)
Children may not be “dropped off” without a parent or guardian.
Our Sacrament Preparation program follows the Family Faith Formation model, which centers parents as the first and best teachers of the faith for their children. This model consists of family catechesis sessions about once a month to prepare and support families in at-home discipleship.
Children preparing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion (usually Grade 2) participate in the Grade K-2 Mustard Seeds Family Faith Formation sessions with their families. In addition, they participate in five special sacrament preparation sessions: an introduction and catechesis session in the fall, two reflection and catechesis sessions over the winter, and two detailed sacrament preparation and instruction sessions in the spring. These sessions are paired with the “Blessed” curriculum from Dynamic Catholic for at-home discipleship. (Learn more about the “Blessed” curriculum and the wonderful online resources below.)
In the weeks in between sessions, families continue with at-home discipleship (material for each month is listed below) on their own schedule, in whatever space and time works best for them. Families can also gather with friends or relatives in small groups to work together. Most importantly, families continue the conversation throughout the month, baking the richness of our faith into the daily interactions of family life.
With only five in-person sacrament preparation sessions scheduled over the course of the year, we are hopeful that most families will be able to attend most sessions.
Record of Baptism
A record of baptism is required for all children preparing to receive sacraments.
If your child was baptized at St. John the Evangelist Parish or St. Paul Parish, we have their baptismal records on file.
If your child was not baptized at St. John the Evangelist Parish or St. Paul Parish, you must submit a copy of their baptismal record to the Family Faith Formation office.
- You can use this form to upload a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate.
- If you don’t have a copy of your child’s baptismal record, please contact the church where your child was baptized and request their baptismal record be sent directly to: Family Faith Formation – Baptismal Forms, St. John-St. Paul Collaborative, 39 Washington St. Wellesley, MA 02481
About the “Blessed” Curriculum
These are not mere textbooks or workbooks; they are masterpieces illustrated by an internationally acclaimed children’s book artist. The combination of incredible content and more than 250 hand-painted works of art captures children’s imagination and opens their eyes to God’s incredible dream for their lives.
We teamed up with an Emmy Award-winning animation studio to create the first-ever animated film series for sacramental preparation. Each of the episodes will engage your children’s sense of wonder and take them on an unforgettable adventure into the story of Jesus and the life-giving truths of his Church. -Dynamic Catholic
A First Reconciliation Workbook and First Communion Workbook will be provided for each child, and both are also available online.
An Unforgettable Adventure, a series of short animated videos that correspond to the sessions (or chapters) in the workbooks, are also available online. Each of these fun and engaging episodes range in length from 1 to 15 minutes, with most just 3-5 minutes.
The specific chapters and videos for each month are linked in the schedule below.
2026-2027 Session Schedule and At-Home Discipleship
NOVEMBER 2026
Sunday, November 8, 2026 10:15am at St. Paul: Introduction to the Sacrament Year
First Reconciliation Workbook Session 3: God Sent Jesus to Save Us (p. 69-102)
Season 3 Videos
S3:E1 The Mess
S3:E2 Jesus’ Birth and Childhood
S3:E3 Jesus’ Ministry
S3:E4 The Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension
S3:E5 From the Bible: Pentecost
S3:E6 You and the Church
S3:E7 Closing Prayer
DECEMBER 2026
Sunday, December 13, 2026 10:15am at St. Paul: The Incarnation
First Reconciliation Workbook Session 4: Forgiveness and Healing (p. 105-134)
Season 4 Videos
S4:E1 God Loves Healthy Relationships
S4:E2 Forgiveness
S4:E3 What Is a Sacrament?
S4:E4 What is Reconciliation?
S4:E5 From the Bible: Our Father
S4:E6 God Will Always Love You
S4:E7 Closing Prayer
JANUARY 2027
Sunday, January 31, 2027 10:15am at St. John: Preparing Our Hearts
First Reconciliation Workbook Session 5: Your First Reconciliation (p. 137-174)
Season 5 Videos
S5:E1 Great Moments in Life
S5:E2 The Garden of Your Heart
S5:E3 Preparation Matters
S5:E4 The Five Steps
S5:E5 From the Bible: The Prodigal Son
S5:E6 First, but Not Last
S5:E7 Closing Prayer – Keep Counting Your Blessings
FEBRUARY 2027
Sunday, February 28, 2027 9:00am at St. Paul: Special Family Mass
This will be a “teaching Mass” – a regular Mass during which the priest pauses at key moments to provide explanations and insights into the prayers, liturgical actions, and symbolism. The Mass itself is our session for this month.
First Communion Workbook Session 3: The Word of God (p. 79-108)
Season 9 Videos
S9:E1 Overview of the Mass
S9:E2 The Introductory Rites
S9:E3 The Liturgy of the Word
S9:E4 We Believe
S9:E5 From the Bible: The Sower of Seeds
S9:E6 Wear It Out
S9:E7 Closing Prayer
MARCH 2027
Sunday, March 14, 2027 10:15am at St. Paul: Preparing for First Reconciliation
Monday, March 15, 2027 5:00pm at St. John: First Reconciliation
First Communion Workbook Session 4: The Eucharist (p. 111-140)
Season 10 Videos
S10:E1 Food for the Soul
S10:E2 The Liturgy of the Eucharist
S10:E3 Holy Communion
S10:E4 The True Presence
S10:E5 From the Bible: The Last Supper
S10:E6 Jesus Is in You
S10:E7 Closing Prayer
APRIL 2027
Sunday, April 11, 2027 10:15am at St. Paul: Preparing for First Eucharist
First Communion Workbook Session 5: Your First Communion (p. 148-162)
Season 11 Videos
S11:E1 This Is a Special Day
S11:E2 You’re Growing Up
S11:E3 Preparation Matters
S11:E4 The Eucharist Empowers Us to Do Great Things
S11:E5 From the Bible: The Visitation
S11:E6 Your First but Not Your Last
S11:E7 Closing Prayer
MAY 2027 – FIRST COMMUNION MASSES
In keeping with our Family Faith Formation model and the guidance of the Archdiocese of Boston, children receive their First Holy Communion with their families at a Sunday Mass, the same way they will receive the sacrament throughout their lives. Groups of First Communicants will receive the Sacrament at our 9:00am Family Masses in the spring.
Sunday, May 2, 2027 9:00am Family Mass at St. John
Sunday, May 9, 2027 9:00am Family Mass at St. Paul
Sunday, May 16, 2027 9:00am Family Mass at St. John
Sunday, May 23, 2027 9:00am Family Mass at St. Paul