The sacrament of Penance (First Reconciliation) must be received before the sacrament of Holy Communion (First Eucharist). Contact the Parish Office at 301-622-1122 to register for these sacraments.

First Eucharist is typically celebrated when a child is in the second grade. Candidates for First Eucharist must:

• Complete a full year of religious instruction either in Catholic school or in a faith formation program (typically in first grade),

• Be currently enrollment either in Catholic school or in a faith formation program, and

• Complete sacramental preparation program.

At St. John the Baptist, families have a choice of how to celebrate a child’s First Eucharist. They can celebrate it individually at a Mass of their choosing, or they can participate in a group First Eucharist celebration in the Spring. Contact our Director of Faith Formation or contact our Parish Office for more information.