We will be sending email blasts out regarding all things related to First Communion – please be looking for these emails through-out the year!
Please find banner instructions further down the page after the current year information!
St. Paul of the Cross historically celebrates the sacrament of First Communion the first two weekends in May. The Office for Catechesis coordinates this Parish Sacrament Celebration any questions or concerns related to First Communion may be directed to our office.
St. Paul, in compliance with the policy and procedure of the The Archdiocese of Chicago, has TWO parent meetings that parents are expected to attend, one for Reconciliation and one for First Communion, each are one hour. If you miss the meeting there will be make-up information emailed to you.
Communion Meeting
The Communion Meeting will be on January 13, 2026 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm in Holy Family Chapel. We ask that you arrive ten minutes early to check in and be seated for the meeting to promptly start at 7.
Only one parent need attend the parent meeting.
Attendance will be taken.
Those that attend the meeting
Will be emailed the meeting packet that contains required paperwork that will have to be returned.
For those that miss the meeting
Information will be emailed, after the meeting, about how to make up the meeting, in order to receive the meeting packet. There are deadlines for forms within the meeting packet so we ask that you promptly complete the make-up requirement in order to get the packet.
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Communion Retreats
Will be in March and April from 9:00 – 11:30
March 14
Alicea ~ Ashbeck ~ McCall ~ McCallister ~ Directed Study (Parkhill) ~ Worship Program (Priests) ~ Other Grades (ANY 4th, 5th or 6th grade – Regardless of program)
April 18
Aiello ~ Cataudella ~ Galvin ~ Guerrero ~ Hunt ~ Stankiewicz ~ All Abilities (Russo)
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Communion Masses
There are 4 Communion Masses and they are always scheduled by Class. Change requests are allowed through March 15, and if we have room at the Mass you are requesting, your change will be granted.
Mass #1
May 2 @ 10:00
Mandatory Corresponding Practice on 4/28 @ 4:00
The following classes are on this date/time:
McCall ~ McCallister ~ Worship Program (Priest)
Mass #2
May 2 @ 1:00
Mandatory Corresponding Practice on 4/30 @ 4:00
The following classes are on this date/time:
Galvin ~ Guerrero ~ Stankiewicz
Mass #3
May 9 @ 10:00
Mandatory Corresponding Practice on 5/5 @ 4:00
The following classes are on this date/time:
Cataudella ~ Hunt ~ Directed Study (Parkhill) ~ All Abilities (Russo)
Mass #4
May 9 @ 1:00
Mandatory Corresponding Practice on 5/7 @ 4:00
The following classes are on this date/time:
Aiello ~ Alicea ~ Ashbeck ~ Other Grades (ANY 4th, 5th or 6th grade – Regardless of program)
PRACTICES ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE / CHILD AND ONE PARENT MUST BE PRESENT FOR THE ENTIRE PRACTICE
Practices must be attended and in their entirety in order to participate in one of the parish’s First Communion Masses. Families not meeting this requirement will need to make arrangements for the child to make Communion at a Sunday Mass.
Masses last about an hour and 15 minutes but also give time for taking pictures with the priest and getting out of the parking lot!
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Sacrament Fees
There is a $75 Communion/Reconciliation combined Fee, for each child receiving the sacraments. It is paid by both Catechesis families and School families.
Catechesis Families, please include the $75 Sacrament Fee with your tuition (see Tuition/Fees link on the Registration page of this website).
School families this $75 Sacrament Fee is NOT in your school fees and should be paid by check or by using our online payment option (accepts credit cards or electronic checks) on GiveCentral
Click Here To Pay Sacrament Fee online on GiveCentral
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COMMUNION BANNER
Please follow the link below for the Banner Directions:
Communion Banner Directions
REQUIRED FIRST COMMUNION APPAREL
Girls – White dress & shoes and a veil or flowers in hair (all white accents)
Boys – Suit or sports jacket/dress pants, dress shirt, tie, dress shoes (NO gym shoes)
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Communion 2025 Live Stream links:
Click Here for Live Stream May 3 @ 10 Mass
Click Here for Live Stream May 3 @ 1 Mass
Click Here for Live Stream May 10 @ 10 Mass
Click Here for Live Stream May 10 @ 1 Mass
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SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS CATECHESIS 