Every child’s faith journey is unique, and sometimes that journey does not follow the “usual” timeline. At St. John Vianney, we want families to know that this is okay. If your child is older and has not yet received First Holy Communion, we are here to walk with you.

In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the norm for the reception of First Holy Communion is 2nd grade. Because of this, most First Communion programs are designed specifically for 2nd graders. They use language appropriate for young children and ask questions at a 2nd grade level.

When a child seeks First Holy Communion at a later age, they need formation that speaks to them where they are now. Older children and teens need to explore the faith in a way that matches their age, maturity, and life experience—not in a classroom designed for much younger children.

That is why St. John Vianney offers four separate Sacramental Catch-Up pathways for students preparing for First Holy Communion. Each pathway is designed to best prepare your child at their level, so that their formation is meaningful, age-appropriate, and rooted in a true encounter with Christ.

A Formation Journey, Not a Track

When you register your child for Faith Formation at St. John Vianney, you are not signing up for a specific sacrament or “class track.” Instead, you are enrolling your child in a formation journey.

From there, our team thoughtfully places each child in the appropriate group based on:

• age
• sacramental history
• and where they are in their faith life

This allows us to meet each child where they are—whether they are preparing for a sacrament, continuing their formation, or catching up—so that every step is intentional, supported, and rooted in a deeper relationship with Christ.

Important Registration Information

All students seeking Sacramental Catch-Up must first be registered for Faith Formation classes at St. John Vianney.

Please note:

• Families must be registered parishioners of St. John Vianney for at least one year before registering for Faith Formation.
• Registration for Faith Formation is the first step in the process.
• Once registered, our team will guide your family and place your child in the program that best fits their needs.

Why We Do It This Way

Our goal is not simply to help children “get caught up.” Our goal is to help them be truly prepared.

The sacraments are not boxes to check—they are profound encounters with Jesus Christ. By offering age-appropriate formation and carefully placing each child in the right environment, we can better support both the child and the family as they take this important step in faith.

At St. John Vianney, we want every child to be known, supported, and formed well. Sacramental Catch-Up is one more way we help make that possible.