First Communion takes place in mid to late April (depending on when Easter is that year). 

Parents are the primary teachers of the faith, therefore, are responsible for preparing their children for the Sacraments. The Catholic Church understands that this task can be difficult, so it provides a purpose driven curriculum to assist families in their children’s faith formation. If your child is going to a Catholic school in the area, they would receive their Sacrament with their class at that parish the school is linked to.

Those attending home, private, or public schools receive preparation through the Children’s Religious Education Program (CCD) offered on Sunday mornings during the school year, from 9am-10:15am at Saint Patrick Campus in Colona. CCD is only offered at Saint Patrick Campus for all Divine Mercy Parish Students. For more information please contact, Rose Roe at: (309) 235-4969.

Requirements for Reception of First Communion:

• Children are in second grade or have reached the age of seven

• Children have been Baptized

• Children have been enrolled in two consecutive years of religious instruction, whether at a Catholic parochial school, CCD, or an approved homeschool curriculum