Religious Education:
1st Eucharist & Penance

Christ is always present in his Church, especially in liturgical celebrations. Communion with Jesus Christ leads to the celebration of his salvific presence in the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist. (GDC 85)

Every child must attend and complete the grade level before the year of the sacrament. Those wishing to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist must complete first grade and celebrate the Sacraments in second grade. Those wishing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation must complete seventh grade and celebrate the Sacrament in eighth grade.

Our 2nd graders are prepared for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist throughout the school year. Parents are required to attend meetings for these sacraments so they can assist their children with this exciting time in their faith. We believe that the parents are primary catechist of our children.

During the year there are two eight-lesson booklets, one for First Reconciliation and one for First Eucharist, they need to be completed before their sacrament and a workshop for each on a Saturday that must be attended.

There are reconciliation services in the Parish Center for students in grades 3 through 8 that attend the Sunday School program. This highlights the need for reconciliation as children relate to one another in their daily lives. By emphasizing their connectedness to God and others, we can help them see the importance of offering one another mutual love and respect.

It’s important to help children view God as someone who knows and loves them unconditionally. God is not to be feared, but to be loved back. God calls all of the baptized to continuing conversion of heart and formation of consciences.

Our children begin to recognize the reality of sin, the expression of sorrow, and the gift of forgiveness in the day relationships within the family system.

FIRST RECONCILIATION
Sharing the Light of Faith says that a catechesis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to precede preparation for First Communion "and must be kept distinct by a clear and unhurried separation" (NCD, #126).

Children are prepared from October – January for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During this time parents will need to attend one parent meeting to discuss the Sacrament and pick up the eight lesson booklet that must be complete before the celebration of Reconciliation.

There is also a one-hour workshop for the children on a Saturday which they must attend. The First Reconciliation Sacrament is usually celebrated the end of January.

Youngsters on all grade levels have an opportunity at least once a year to celebrate this sacrament.

FIRST EUCHARIST
Children are prepared from January – May for the First Eucharist Sacrament. During this time parents will need to attend one parent meeting to discuss the Sacrament and pick up the eight lesson booklet that must be complete before the celebration of Communion. There is also a four-hour workshop for the children on a Saturday which they must attend. First Communion is celebrated the first Saturday in May.