First Communion Parent Meeting Opening Prayer O Jesus

First Communion Parent Meeting

Opening Prayer O Jesus, Bread of Life, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, blessed is your Holy Name and blessed is your Sacred Heart. Holy Savior, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us sinners. Forgive us and help us to forgive one another. Make us holy and worthy of your Presence. Grant us peace. Amen.

First Communion Preparation Calendar – 2021 March 1, 2021 or March 8, 2021 March 20, 2021 March 27, 2021 April 17, 2021 April 28, 2021 May 8/9, 2021 Parent Orientation (required) Zoom Parent/Child session - Parish Center Rehearsal/(Pictures) Church First Communion Mass Church 7: 00 -7: 30 PM 10: 00 -11: 30 AM 10: 00 AM -12: 15 PM 6: 00 – 8: 00 PM All Masses

“The celebration of Mass is … the center of the whole Christian life. . All other liturgical rites and all the works of the Christian life are linked to the eucharistic celebration, flow from it, and have it as their end. ” GIRM “Parents have a right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for First Communion. Catechesis aims to help parents grow in understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist and participate readily in catechizing their children. ” Sharing the Light of Faith #122 “An adult community whose faith is well formed and lively will more effectively pass that faith on to the next generation. Moreover, the witness of adults actively continuing their own formation shows children and youth that growth in faith is lifelong and does not end upon reaching adulthood. ” Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us #40 USCCB

Readiness to begin preparation is not the same as readiness to receive the sacrament.

Chapter 1 “Belonging”

Textbook Chapter 1 – “Belonging” KEY POINTS • The Holy Spirit works in our lives • We belong to the Church • God invites us to celebrate the Sacrament of Eucharist WORDS TO KNOW (pp 4 -7, 100 -101) • Baptism • Trinity • Confirmation • Eucharist • Holy Communion • Mass THINGS TO DO • Practice making the Sign of the Cross • Visit the Baptism font and the Paschal candle in the Church • Talk with your child about Jesus • Read scripture • Put the Chapter 1 stickers on pages 2 -3 • Complete activities on pages 1, 5 & 7 • Go over “Living My Faith” on page 10 • Attend Mass every Sunday • Model good behavior in Mass • Model receiving the Eucharist • Look at pictures of your child’s baptism • Find their baptismal candle

Diocesan Guidelines for Sacramental Preparation First Reconciliation and First Communion

The family must be active and registered members of St. Andrew's Church. Candidate must be currently enrolled in at least 2 nd grade, and is of ‘catechetical age’ (7 years. ) For adolescent members of St. Andrew’s Church who have received the Sacrament of Baptism. Individual seeking sacraments must present proof of Baptism in the Catholic Church. Can. 842 § 1. A person who has not received baptism cannot be admitted validly to the other sacraments.

The sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist are three sacraments by which an individual is initiated into the full life of the Church. Children should not begin preparation, unless with their parents, they are already regular participants at Sunday Mass. Individuals preparing to celebrate any of the sacraments must participate in a substantial period of catechesis and formation for at least one year before preparation begins. Can. 913 § 1. The administration of the Most Holy Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion.

Preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion must be a separate and distinct program from any other religious education. All candidates must be concurrently enrolled in a religious education program during the year in which they prepare. This can be either enrollment in a Catholic School, or participation in a parish religious education program. All candidates for First Communion must participate in the preparation program. This includes all Catholic school students as well as home-school students.

In the Latin Church, children must receive the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for the first time prior to their first reception of the Eucharist. Adult sessions coincide with student sessions, and are provided to supplement the formation done at home. Sessions with parents continue throughout the catechetical process, to deepen understanding, and provide ongoing assistance.

Children need encouragement and the support of their parents to remain involved in regular Christian education and formation. Children need to stay constant with weekly participation in the Sunday Eucharist. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1392 Parents should encourage their children to become firmly grounded in the sacramental life of the community.

s k o o B e n i l u ia a d P e M and Sa r a M int s s e r y’s P

April 17 “Parent-Child Retreat” 11: 30 – 12: 15 After regular class session 1. Touring the Church 2. Making a card for a homebound parishioner 3. Tasting (unconsecrated) host 4. Making First Communion Banner

Please let me know if you want anything other than your child’s given name. Example: Katherine Katie

Schedule for First Communion: March 20, 2021 March 27, 2021 April 17, 2021 April 28 Parent/Child session 10: 00 -11: 30 AM Parent/Child session 10: 00 AM -12: 15 PM 6: 00 pm – Rehearsal & Pictures First Communion weekend is May 8/9, 2021 at all Masses.

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