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Sacramental Preparation - Key Information and Dates

The most helpful preparation for all students is the example and practice of their parents, to live a conscious Christian life at home, of prayer, reading the Scriptures, striving to follow God's law, weekly participation in Sunday Eucharist, expressing sorrow for sin and readily granting forgiveness, and regular celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, both individually and at communal celebrations.

Key Dates  
August 31, 2011 Faith Development Registration Deadline
September 18,  2011 Faith Development Program Begins
November 5 or 19, 2011 First Reconciliation Family Retreat
December 3, 2011 First Reconciliation Celebration
February 25 or March 10 or 31, 2012 First Eucharist Family Retreat
April 14 to June 10, 2012 First Eucharist Celebrations

 

  

  

 

 

Policies for Catechesis and Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Program of Preparation for First Eucharist

There are four options for the preparation of children for First Eucharist at St. Thomas More Parish:

  1. Students enrolled at St. Thomas More School prepare in School during Second Grade.
  2. Students enrolled in the Elementary Faith Development program prepare over two years in First and Second Grade, with most of the preparation from December to April in Second Grade. For catechesis students use the "Faith First Legacy" Second Grade book, and "With Jesus Always" which describes the prayers and ritual of the sacrament.
  3. Students who are older than Second Grade enroll in the "Sacramental Preparation" class in Elementary Faith Development and use the Benziger Eucharist book and "With Jesus Always".
  4. Students in Home Catechesis may prepare for Reconciliation with their parents after consultation with the Director of Elementary Faith Development, using these same materials.

Note that students need to prepare for and celebrate First Reconciliation before First Eucharist.

The most helpful preparation for all students is the example and practice of their parents, to live a conscious Christian life at home, of prayer, reading the Scriptures, striving to follow God's law, expressing sorrow for sin and readily granting forgiveness, and regular celebration of the Sacrament of Reconcilation, both individually and at communal celebrations.

First Eucharist Family Retreats

The Elementary Faith Development program has arranged Retreats to help you and your child prepare for the celebration of First Eucharist. We invite you to register for the date and time of your choice.

The program is 2 ½ hours long. Both parents and the child(ren) preparing for Eucharist are invited. We can provide child care for younger children, but we are not able to accommodate older children.

Features of the Program:

  • Exploring Sacred Space – a tour of the Church, to enhance children’s understanding of the parish church as a sacred place in which we celebrate God’s Word and Sacraments
  • Receiving Bread and Wine – gain understanding of the significance of the Body and Blood of Christ, and the way they are received at Mass
  • Creating Banners – to strengthen their sense of belonging by engaging in activities with other First Eucharist families, and to commemorate First Eucharist
  • Going forth to serve – develop an appreciation for the call to service which is at the heart of the Eucharist

It is essential to arrive on time
Please cancel other family and sports events on this one day, to participate fully in this unique and special event
(This program will start in the CHURCH but end in the FRIENDS AND FAMILY HALL)

Dates and Times:

  • Saturday February 25 - 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM (FULL), or 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM (FULL)
  • Saturday March 10 - 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, or 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Saturday March 31 - 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, or 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Use this form to register, or phone Mollie Berry, 942-6236

Apparel, Accessories and Gifts - for the First Eucharist celebration: please contact our local partners, Catholic Faith Store.

Growing Up Catholic - free resources and family activities based upon the Eucharist.

Available Dates for First Eucharist

Here are the available times and dates for First Eucharist celebrations, with the number of remaining spaces at each Mass.

Please note that the 1:30 pm Sunday Mass is celebrated in Spanish.

Date Time Available
     
April 14   5:15 PM   7
April 15 11:15 AM   8
April 22   9:15 AM   5
April 22   1:30 PM   5
April 28   5:15 PM   8
April 29   9:15 AM *
April 29   11:15 AM 11
April 29   1:30 PM **
May    6   7:30 AM 11
May    6   1:30 PM Full
May  12   5:15 PM   8
May  13  11:15 PM   5
May  19   5:15 PM 12
May  20   9:15 AM   9
May  20 11:15 AM 14
May  20   1:30 PM Full
May  27   9:15 AM   2
June   3  11:15 AM   2
June   9   5:15 PM   4
June 10   9:15 AM 14

 

* = Rite or Reception (adults and teens)

** - Rito de Recepcion (adultos y jovenes)

Last Updated: February 9, 2012

First Eucharist Celebration Dates 2012
* Required
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