Children in the Waterloo Parishes customarily celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Communion for the first time around the age of 7 or 8 - which is normally when the child is in second grade. As a general rule, however, children should celebrate these sacraments when they are best prepared to do so, regardless of their age or grade level. 

 It is the policy of the Archdiocese of Dubuque that children celebrate Reconciliation before First Communion.  
   
 • Click here to read more about our Sacrament Preparation Policy.

Expectations.   

• The child must be baptized.
• The child must be in 2nd grade or older.
• He/she must also be enrolled in a Catholic school or a religious education program. 
• At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic who is registered in a local parish.

• Click here to download a checklist of expectations about the family's participation in the Catholic faith community.

Parents must provide a copy of the Baptism Certificate if the child was not baptized in one of the Waterloo parishes. 
If a child has not been baptized, parents should contact the Faith Formation Office to arrange for preparation for and celebration of baptism.

First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation for children in grades 2-8:

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Sacrament Preparation for youth in grades 9-12 

An immediate preparation program can be designed to meet the needs of the youth. Contact Annie Zeets at [email protected] or 319-233-0498.