Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation are the Sacraments of Initiation. St. John Vianney School and the Catechetical Program for public school children provides instruction and training for those children preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

First Communion:
First Communion is typically received by children at the end of the second grade when they have reached the "age of reason", which is understood to be about 7 years old. This is preceded by at least 2 years of religious instruction where they learn Catholic prayers and are given instruction on the meaning of Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus. See "Faith Formation" for more information.

Confirmation:
In our diocese, Confirmation is typically recieved by children at the end of the eighth grade when they are sufficiently mature to decide for themselves to become Catholic disciples of Christ. This is preceded by faith formation in grades 3 to 8. See "Faith Formation" for more information.