First Holy Communion Preparation Information:
The link to sign up is: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0949acad2eaafcc52-first
According to Diocesan policy, preparation for the sacraments is the responsibility of the parish, and is to be separate from the regular course of religious instruction. All preparation for the First Holy Communion will be done at home using BLESSED books. The chapters are wonderfully written, the illustrations are outstanding as well the Sessions contain engaging online videos. You will also receive a parent Handbook on how to cover the workbook. The handbook will guide you through each Session with a few discussion points, indications on when to watch each video (all found online as noted in the handbook).
The teachers at Southtowns Catholic School and Sunday Morning Faith Formation will cover First CHAPTER content as their regular class curriculum. We will email everyone when books are ready to come home.
The teachers at Southtowns Catholic School and Sunday Morning Faith Formation will cover First CHAPTER content as their regular class curriculum. We will email everyone when books are ready to come home.
Click here for more Information the following:
Banners are to be made at home using guidelines
Artwork to be used at each Mass (optional)
Prayers of the Faithful, if you would like a family member mentioned (optional)
Your child will need to attend confession before making their First Holy Communion
(at least one additional one since their First Reconciliation, unless they were baptized in 2023
or made their First Reconciliation in 2023).
Readiness Interview
Important Information:
Your children will learn about proper reception of Communion during our session and retreat. This should be re-enforced at home and by watching closely as you receive at mass each week. It is of the utmost importance that you attend mass with your child, it is the best way for them to see the importance and the privilege of receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus through the sacrament of Eucharist.
At First Holy Communion Mass, Children will be called forward individually by name, only the child & parents may come forward to receive communion, at that time.
Parents may receive communion at this time as well.
All other family and friends will be invited to receive after all the children have been called forward along with the congregation. If there are family members who cannot receive communion they may ask for a blessing by crossing their arms over their chest. If your child has an allergy to food that may impede them from receiving of the Body of Christ (such as Celiac Disease) please let Lori know as soon as possible to we can take proper precaution.
We will have a photographer on hand to photograph each child as he/she comes forward to receive the sacrament. At the end of the First Holy Communion Celebration Mass, the children will line up on the altar steps for a group photo. PLEASE ALLOW OUR PHOTOGRAPHER TO TAKE HER PHOTOGRAPHS FIRST! We will keep the children in place for your photos afterward. We will be providing more information on our photographer if you would like to have a formal sitting before or after Mass. Family photos included.
At most our Mass should be more than 1 ½ hours for our celebration.
Last handout will give you an idea of their things your child should know before receiving this most holy of Sacraments. It is labelled Readiness Interview Packet.
