Sacrament Preparation Retreat s

At St. Thomas More, elementary school-aged children prepare for the Sacraments of Penance (First Reconciliation) and Eucharist (First Holy Communion) through Elementary School Youth Ministry (ESYM) and STM School. During Year 2 of preparation, participation in the required retreats is an essential part of the sacramental journey and must be completed before children may receive the sacraments.

Below are the dates for the required First Reconciliation Retreat, the required First Eucharist Retreat, and the celebrations of each sacrament. Please note that children must first prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation before receiving First Holy Communion.

First Reconciliation Retreat

FIRST RECONCILIATION RETREAT DATES (Registration opens on October 7, 2026.  Register for your preferred date and time below.):

Saturday, November 8, 2026, 9:00am-11:30am 
Saturday, November 8, 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9:00am-11:30am
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Location: Friends & Family Hall 

Dress Guidelines: Comfortable, school appropriate clothing 

A parent/guardian must stay with their child for the duration of the retreat. Activities at the retreat will be for parent and child to learn and pray together.

first reconciliation Service

Date: Saturday, January 30, 2027 

GROUP START TIME WILL BE ASSIGNED: Group A at 9:00am, Group B at 9:45am and Group C at 10:30 am.  Please plan to arrive at least 15minutes before your assigned start time.  Learn more here.

Location: Main Church.  Please check in at the table in the Narthex to pick up your child’s nametag from the table before heading into the Church.

Dress Guidelines: Clothes that you would wear to Mass.

At least one parent/ guardian must stay for the duration of your child’s First Reconciliation

First Eucharist retreat

FIRST EUCHARIST RETREAT DATES (Registration opens on October 7, 2026.  Register for your preferred date and time below.):

Saturday, March 13, 2027, 9:00am-11:30am 
Saturday, March 13, 2027, 1:00pm-3:30pm
Saturday, March 20, 2027, 9:00am-11:30am
Saturday, March 20, 2027, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Location: Friends & Family Hall 

Dress Guidelines: Comfortable, school appropriate clothing 

A parent/guardian must stay with their child for the duration of the retreat. Activities at the retreat will be for parent and child to learn and pray together.

First Eucharist celebration

FIRST EUCHARIST MASS (Registration opens on October 7, 2026.):

Sunday, May 9, 2027, 9:15am (English - 14 spots available) 
Sunday, May 9, 2027, 1:15pm (Spanish - 14 spots available) 
Saturday, May 15, 2027, 9:15am (English - 55 spots available)
Saturday, May 15, 2027, 1:15pm (Spanish - 55 spots available)

Location: Main Church

Dress Guidelines: It is customary that children wear something white on their First Communion Day in remembrance of their Baptism. Please use the following as a guide when selecting your child’s outfit for First Communion: 

• Girls: a white dress knee length or longer with sleeves or a sweater, a veil/crown of flowers (optional), white gloves (optional; must be removed prior to going up to receive the Eucharist), dress shoes, etc. 
• Boys: a white shirt, tie, dress pants (black, white, navy, khaki, or other acceptable color), dress shoes, etc. 

We have several donated outfits you are welcome to have, please contact us for details!

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Resources
Eucharist Resources from the USCCB
Diocese of Raleigh Guildelines for First Penance and First Eucharist
St. Thomas More Sacramental Preparation Policy

Apparel, Accessories and Gifts for First Eucharist
In His Name
Catholic Faith Store