Welcomed to the table of the Lord
First Holy Communion is a joyful beginning in a lifelong relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. At Mass, we receive Christ Himself, truly present under the appearances of bread and wine.
At St. Francis Xavier, we help children and their families prepare for this encounter with faith, reverence, and joy.
First Holy Communion and Confirmation: restored order
St. Francis Xavier follows the restored order of the sacraments of initiation in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma:
Baptism → Confirmation → First Holy Communion
Under the diocesan plan, children ordinarily receive Confirmation and then First Holy Communion during the same Mass in third grade, around eight or nine years of age.
If you remember Confirmation as a sacrament received during the teenage years, this may be a change from your own experience. In restored order, children receive the strengthening grace of Confirmation before their first reception of the Eucharist.
Confirmation is not a graduation from religious education. Formation continues as children grow, supported by their families and parish.
Begin preparation with the parish
Please call the parish office to ask about preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. We will explain the current parish schedule, preparation requirements, and next steps for your child.
Parish office: (918) 775-6217
Preparing to receive Jesus
Preparation helps children grow in their understanding of the Mass, recognize Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, and learn how to receive Holy Communion reverently.
Children also prepare for First Reconciliation before First Holy Communion, learning about God’s mercy and the gift of forgiveness.
The goal is more than learning what to do on the day of the celebration. We want children to begin a lasting habit of prayer, Sunday worship, and life with Christ.
Parents and families have an essential role
A child’s faith grows through the everyday life of the family. Attending Mass together, praying at home, and talking about what your child is learning all help bring preparation to life.
You do not need to have every answer. If your child asks a question you cannot answer, bring it to us. This can be a time for the whole family to grow in faith.
What if my child is older or has missed preparation?
Please contact us. Being older than the usual preparation age is not a reason to stay away.
We will discuss your child’s baptismal and sacramental history and help identify an appropriate path. If your child has already received First Holy Communion but has not been confirmed, let us know so we can explain the next steps.
Adults seeking First Holy Communion
Adults are welcome, too. If you have been baptized but have never received Holy Communion in the Catholic Church, call the parish office to arrange a conversation with Father Jeff.
If you have not been baptized, or are unsure of your baptismal history, we can help you begin there. Preparation will reflect your circumstances and the sacraments you have already received.
A beginning that lasts beyond the celebration
The clothes, photographs, and family gathering can make the day memorable. At its heart, however, First Holy Communion is about Jesus and the gift of sharing in His life.
We look forward to helping you and your family prepare for this joyful step.