Welcome to our Sacramental Preparation program for First Reconciliation and First Communion (Eucharist) 

The Eucharist, more than any doctrine or structure of authority, is the heart of the Church; its clearest and most profound sign of what we are and what we are to be—a People blessed by God and called to become the body of Christ for the life of the world. 

Consistent with the vision of the St. Joseph Parish Children’s Faith Formation (CFF) Program, the process of preparation for First Eucharist aspires to open a process of personal, familial, and communal formation. This FF program will fulfill the hopes and guidelines of the Archdiocese of Seattle. Our FF program will also be infused with Ignatian spiritualty, service, and intellectual engagement. 

Eligibility 

Our expectation is that youth entering this program have received the sacrament of Baptism.  

• If your child was baptized at Saint Joseph Parish, please indicate this in the registration process.  
• If your child’s parish of baptism was not Saint Joseph, we will need to see a copy of their baptismal certificate. 

If special circumstances have impacted your child’s sacramental preparation, please contact cff@ before registering for First Communion. 

The age of 6 or 1st grade is a helpful minimum age for participation in CFF 1, and likewise, age 7 or 2nd grade is also a minimum for CFF 2.  

Above all, it is our expectation that children preparing for First Communion actively participate in the weekend liturgies at St. Joseph and engage with all possible classes throughout the program. 

• Consistent class attendance is required for children to be on track to receive the sacrament as we value the central role of community in our faith. Please consider all enrichment activity schedules to ensure your child can commit to the Faith Formation program at this time. If there are other circumstances that might impact your child’s attendance, please contact us upon registering so that we can make necessary arrangements.  

Parental Commitment 

• Parents and guardians will lead activities for at-home reinforcement of our faith, Catholic values, Ignatian Spirituality and service in partnership with, and at the request of, the Catechist (teacher). 
• Parents, guardians, or high-school age siblings are asked to commit some hours throughout the school year to benefit the CFF classes. Often, volunteers help during Sunday School, though others work with CFF Catechists at different times of the week to fit their schedule or strengths. 
• Parents or guardians attend the workshop for their class with their child. CFF 2 has 2 workshops. 

Schedule 

• Preparation for these Sacraments begins in October, ends in May, and will meet on 3 Sunday Mornings per month. 
• Sunday School meets from 10:15-11:00 (after the 9AM Mass) during the school year. 

Two Tracks, One Parish 

St Joseph Parish delivers catechetical instruction to its youth in one of two tracks: the church (SJP) or the school (SJS).  SJS students receive Faith Formation through the school and at home. SJP students receive Faith Formation at Sunday School and at home. All SJP and SJS students come together for workshops and rehearsals.

All participants (school and church) must register for the program through the parish website. 

First Communion Masses

We will try to schedule these Masses in May. We will communicate with you about the date as soon as it is scheduled.

Fees

The fee for Grade 1 Faith Formation is $110. The fee for Grade 2 Faith Formation is $150. All class materials including books, food, and workshop supplies will be provided. Financial assistance is available upon request. Please contact cff@ with questions, requests or concerns.

 

SIGN UP FOR CFF CLASS NOW