Preparing young children to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is an important part of the faith practice of all Catholic families. Each family takes seriously its responsibility to pass our Catholic faith traditions on to their children.

The parents of these children will also be involved in the preparation process. Parents will attend the “Family Connections” evening meetings during the month of October. To facilitate the sharing of faith throughout the entire preparation process, parents will be present at their children’s class sessions every time they meet.

All of this is done to assure that everyone will grow together as faith-filled Catholic Christians who understand both a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a commitment to continued participation in an active Christian Community.

In addition to the time spent in class, families must plan to attend church every weekend and participate fully in the celebration of Mass. All the children will celebrate Children’s Liturgy of the Word each Sunday during Mass. Also, conversation at the family supper table needs to include talk of growth in faith, love for God and neighbor, and what it means to be a Catholic Christian.

Together, your parish
and your family
prepare these young people to be
welcomed to the table of the Lord.

The Eucharist is celebrated at every Mass.  
For our ill parishioners unable to attend Mass, the Body of Christ is available through our Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick.
 

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First Eucharist Preparation Goals

Our goal is to lead the children to an age appropriate understanding of their Catholic Christian faith and to encourage their families to participate actively in the parish community. It is important that each child begin to develop a relationship with God, that he or she learn to trust in God's goodness and mercy and experience God through prayer.

We will work to promote these important catechetical goals by the following:

• INFORMATION: The children are introduced to prayers, scripture, sacraments and rituals.  They are provided with a sense of belonging to our Christian Community.
    

• FORMATION: The children will experience the joy and ease of both formal and spontaneous prayer experiences.  The children will continuously be invited to deepen their faith in our generous and loving God.
   

• TRANSFORMATION: Children in grades 1 and 2 live in a world of curiosity and imagination.  They are thrilled to discover new things and eager to experience what they see their family members doing.  They are filled with wonder - a natural base for developing a lifelong sense of awe before the mystery of God.  It is very appropriate for them to prepare to receive these sacraments at this age.  Celebrating the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is a significant milestone in their lives.

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Class Information for Children

The process of preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is a two year process.  Classes will meet on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from early October to Mid-May.  Families may choose which day they sign up for, providing space is available.  Class size will be limited to 16 students per group.

The class session will begin promptly at 3:45pm.  Children are dismissed at 5:00pm.  Classes are held in the St. Mary Magdalen School Classrooms.

All children must be signed in and out by an adult, which is why all children must be accompanied to their classrooms by an adult and be met at dismissal.

In addition to the weekly classes, there will be special meetings and workshops to help families prepare for the celebrations.  These dates will be calendared at the beginning of the year, so all families can plan to attend.

The first week of class parents must plan to attend class with their children.  Information and program guidelines will be circulated at this session.