First Holy Communion and Reconciliation
In accordance with diocesan guidelines children must complete a minimum of two years of preparation and education prior to their First Holy Communion.
St. Leo's approach to childhood education in the faith (catechesis) seeks to engage each child and his or her family in an interactive, community-based experience. We strive for participants to have an experience of church that is loving, prayerful, and rich in the Catholic tradition. Students are organized into small groups of 8-12 students for the academic year.
These small groups learn together through creative presentations, music, drama, games, arts and crafts, and discussion. We support parents as the primary educators of their child's religious education through retreats, newsletters, volunteer opportunities and special family events. Reflective of our location in the Valley of the Moon, all REP materials and family events are presented in both English and Spanish. In addition, many of our volunteer leaders and teachers (as well as our students) are bilingual.
In their second year of preparation children focus primarily on the sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance or confession) and First Holy Communion (Eucharist).