First Penance and First Holy Communion
Baptized children of our parish normally receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist for the first time in Grade 2. In order to be prepared properly, children must attend classes in a Catholic School, in the parish religious education program, or in the home using an authentically Catholic curriculum. Because of the importance of these two sacraments, children in our religious education program must attend class on a regular basis in both Grades 1 and 2. Older children who have not received Penance or Holy Eucharist must also be in class for two years prior to the reception of these sacraments. Classes specially geared to prepare older children for sacraments are scheduled as needed.
The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated on a Saturday in late January at 10:00AM. The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist is celebrated on a Saturday in May at 10:00AM. *Families may also choose to celebrate at a weekend Mass during the month of May
Required components of the sacramental program include:
- 2 mandatory parent meetings -1 for First Penance and 1 for First Eucharist These meetings are held on a weekday evening at 7:00PM.
- 2 mandatory retreat days for children- 1 for First Penance and 1 for First Eucharist These retreat days are held on a Sunday from 11:15AM-2:30PM.
- 2 mandatory rehearsals for the group celebration of First Eucharist
Parents can also help their children prepare for the sacraments by:
- Regular attendance at Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation;
- Praying together as a family: grace before meals, morning and night prayers, etc.;
- Participating together in the life of the church and parish; and
- Serving as an example of living faithfully as a Catholic in everyday life.
Sacramental Dates for 2012
- First Penance- Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 10:00AM *Snow Date Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10:00AM
- First Eucharist- Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 10:00AM *Rehearsals- Tuesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 10 from 6:00-7:00PM
Attire for First Eucharist:
- Girls- white dress, white shoes *white headpiece is customary, but optional
- Boys- dress shirt, tie, dress slacks *dark suit is customary, but optional