First Reconciliation
&
First Eucharist
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
Preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) for the first time requires special sessions dedicated to understanding the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a sacrament of healing and a way to strengthen our relationship with God.
The program teaches the children about:
- The meaning of their baptism.
- God’s commandments and how to follow Jesus’ teachings.
- Forgiveness
- The proper way to confess their sins and the prayers used in the Sacrament.
- How to share in God’s gift of peace and to share it with others.
St. James Church begins preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in their second year of religious education classes.
Following Diocesan guidelines, children preparing for this sacrament must be baptized, have completed one year of Religious Education, and be currently enrolled in weekly religious education.
Children (usually in 2nd grade) will begin First Reconciliation/Confession preparation for the Sacrament in September. Classes are on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 until 4:00 PM.
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in November.
*Linda Hansen (Sacramental Preparation Instructor)
The Sacrament of the Eucharist
Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51). “The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christians life.” (CC #1324)
Preparing to receive the Eucharist for the first time requires special sessions dedicated to understanding the Sacrament of the Eucharist as the true presence of Jesus.
During the preparation sessions some of the topics that are taught to the children are:
- The importance of worshiping together as a family and a faith community.
- The different parts of the Mass and ways to actively participate.
- The meaning of signs and symbols used in the Sacrament.
- The proper way to receive the Eucharist.
- About the gospel passage of Last Supper of Jesus.
- How to live faithfully as disciples in their journey of faith that began with Baptism.
The Catholic Church refers to families as the “Domestic Church” and, as such, families have the responsibility to set the foundation of faith formation. To reinforce the concepts taught during the preparation sessions, family participation in weekend liturgy is very strongly encouraged.
St. James Church begins preparing children to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist/First Holy Communion in their second year of religious education classes. Following Diocesan guidelines, children preparing for this sacrament must be baptized, have completed one year of Religious Education, and be currently enrolled in weekly religious education.
The children (usually in 2nd grade) will begin First Eucharist preparation classes for the Sacrament in January. Classes are on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 until 4:00PM.
The Sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated on the first weekend in May at the 9:00AM Mass on Sunday.
*Linda Hansen (Sacramental Preparation Instructor)
For more information or to register for the First Reconciliation & First Eucharist preparation, contact:
Joan Stoker Faith Formation Coordinator
Email: FFElementary@stjamescaz.com
Phone: 315-655-3441
