Children of our parish receive their First Holy Communion in the second grade. Preparation begins formally in first grade with religious education training either through classes on Sunday morning, attending a Catholic school, or being home-schooled with an authentically Catholic curriculum. Children will also attend a half-day retreat experience in the Spring of second grade as part of immediate preparation for this sacrament. In addition, there are several mandatory parent or parent/child sessions held during the second grade year.
TO THE PARENTS:
You should help your children to receive the Sacrament from the time of their birth by:
- WEEKLY SUNDAY MASS ATTENDANCE
- helping your child to participate in parish life; and
- teaching, through word and example, how to live as a Catholic.
During your child’s immediate preparation to receive the Sacrament, usually in the second grade school year, you should additionally help your child prepare by:
- attending parent and parent/child sessions of St. Mary’s preparation program;
- reviewing your child’s religious education work at home;
- introducing your child to members of our community and different liturgical roles by using the First Holy Communion Say Hello Sheet; and
- showing the pastor your commitment to preparation by completing and bringing the First Holy Communion Partnership Agreement to your personal interview with him.
- bringing your children to several parish life events (see below).
Parish life events -As this is a sacrament of initiation into full communion with the Catholic Church, families are expected to support that initiation by bringing your children to several (at least four) parish life events during the year in addition to Mass and their Religious Education Training. At least two of these events should be prayer/liturgy related, such as participation in Eucharistic Adoration, one of the monthly Praise and Worship nights, attending Stations of the Cross, attending the parish mission, or attending the Holy Thursday liturgy where we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist in a very special way. Other parish life events are Family Life and Families in Service events(such as the Family Camp-out), the Stewardship Party in January, the parish picnic in June, etc.
See also:
TIPS ON PREPARING YOUR CHILD TO RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST
The Sacrament is celebrated after Easter. Families have a choice of celebrating with a large group on a Saturday morning or at one of three Sunday liturgies. If a child is participating in the large group First Communion, he or she and at least one parent must come to the rehearsal prior to the celebration. The choice for the date and type of celebration for First Communion is made in the fall after registering your child for First Communion.
To register your child to receive First Communion in the Spring of 2012, please complete and return the First Communion Registration Form.
To First Reconcilation page.
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