First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
Students preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist are involved in a two-year preparation program (typically grades 1 and 2).
A specific preparation booklet for each sacrament will be distributed at various Parent Meetings. Participation in 2 retreats is mandatory. Guidelines regarding preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are:
- Children in 2nd grade are eligible for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Our formal preparation program is held within the 2nd grade year but completion of 1st grade is required.
- For children who are older than the traditional preparation year for a sacrament and have not celebrated that sacrament, special arrangements must be made through the Faith Formation office.
Children will be encouraged to frequent the Sacraments after receiving First Eucharist. Concerning Reconciliation, CCC #1458 advices us
“Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, and let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the spiritual life.”
It is understood that, for the development of a child’s conscience, the opportunity to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) should be offered to him/her by the parents at least monthly. It is imperative to the growing faith life of children to see their parents make use of this wonderful Sacrament as well.
Recognizing that the Eucharist, the real presence of Jesus Christ: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, is the source and summit of the life of the Church, the students will participate in celebrations of the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration at various seasons of the Church year. Families and children will be encouraged on many levels through an ongoing catechesis on the Eucharist. To teach the children the beauty of Adoration, all classes will begin the last class of each month with 5 minutes of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The requirements that need to be met in order to successfully complete this program of Sacramental Preparation include:
- Registration Form completed and returned to the Faith Formation Office by September 30th. Pick up a registration form at the parish office.
- If the child was not baptized in St. Vincent de Paul, a copy of the child’s Baptism Certificate handed in to the Faith Formation office at the Parents’ Orientation.
- Parents and children attend all preparation sessions that will be indicated during orientation
- Parents and children commit to home-based preparation time using the books and other materials provided during the preparation sessions, attend Mass every Sunday, and pray together at home.
To Register for 1st Communion the following criterion must be met:
- The child has been baptized in the Catholic Church,
- The child is in second grade or higher,
- The child has participated in at least two years of religious education in either a parish or Catholic school program.
- The child’s family is registered at St. Vincent de Paul parish.
When is the Orientation Session for the Parents?
Parents must attend the orientation session in December. A definite date will be provided the first day of class. Check the bulletin and website for more information. At this session, parents will be given an overview of the Sacramental Preparation Program and a review of the requirements, as well as a chance to ask any and all questions.
