“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers.... Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts.” (Acts 2:42, 46)

The Eucharist is of such importance in our lives as faithful people that the Second Vatican Council stated that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life (Lumen Gentium, 11).”

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTS
Parents are the primary educators of their child/children. “Parents have a right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for First Communion. Catechesis aims to help parents grow in their understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist and participate readily in the catechizing of their children (National Catechetical Directory #121). Parish or school programs of religious formation assist parents in this most important responsibility.

PREPARATION FOR THE SACRAMENT
Preparation for any sacrament is a journey of the heart that prepares us to meet the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. It involves reflection, prayer, faith sharing and ritual celebration with parents and other candidates. Themes should include “sharing, listening, eating, conversing, giving, thanking and celebrating (National Catechetical Directory, # 122).”
Along with the classroom instruction of our Day School and PSR programs each child will be asked to complete a Faith Journal. The Faith Journal is for your child’s growth in understanding the basic concepts of Community, Church, Forgiveness and Eucharist. The goal of our catechesis is to help children participate in the Mass in a meaningful, reverent manner. The content of the preparation has at its core the format/structure of the Eucharistic celebration.

WHEN IS YOUR CHILD READY TO RECEIVE EUCHARIST?
The family is the primary place where children are formed in faith.

• Does your family participate in the life of the community in the areas of worship, formation (education) and service on a regular basis?
• Has your child received appropriate formation for his/her age?
• Does your family pray together at home?
• As parents are you willing to commit to the continuing formation of your child in worship, formation and service?

• Is your child baptized and does he/she have the use of reason (about the age of seven)?
• Does your child express a desire to celebrate Eucharist?
• Has your child been formed in faith in an age appropriate manner?
• Can your child distinguish Eucharist from ordinary bread?
• Is your child able to consume the bread?

For further information regarding First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
please click on the Sacramental Schedule