First Holy Communion Preparation Information:
Saint John Paul II Parish, Faith Formation Ministry
2023-2024 First Holy Communion Schedule
Parent Meeting: Sunday, December 10th For all parents of a child making First Reconciliation & First Communion
Parent/Child Session: Sunday, March 24th In the Gym during class 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM
At Home Program Parents & SCS Parents - at least one Parent/Adult and the First Communion Student need to attend
Retreat: Child Only extended day on campus learning session Bring a lunch with drink
Sunday, April 21st In the Gym 10:15 AM to 1:30 PM
At Home Program Parents & SCS Parents -ONLY the First Communion Student need to attend
Banners (made at home), Artwork for Service Program (optional), 2024 Confession made (signed paperwork) due on or before Sunday, April 21st
First Holy Communion Mass/Rehearsal
You must signed up for either of the 2 Masses: https://signup.com/go/Tsduqrq
Students MUST attend the evening rehearsal that corresponds with the date and
time of their scheduled Mass. Attending a different one will not help anyone.
Saturday, May 4th 4:30pm Mass
Corresponding Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 1st – 7-8pm
Saturday, May 11th 4:30pm Mass
Corresponding Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 8th – 7-8pm
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). We will be distributing the Books on or around January 7th. These BLESSED BOOKS are to be done all at HOME.
BLESSED AT HOME OUTLINE - guide
Chapter 1 March 3rd
Chapter 2 March 17th
Chapter 3 March 24th
Chapter 4 April 14th
Chapter 5 April 21st
Chapter 6 April 28th
The Schedule is a guide, no matter how fast or slow you move through the BLESSED book, please be sure that your child has completed everything before Rehearsal. We know that there is a lot of pressure placed on parents and students, so if you are struggling, please contact Lori.S@JP2Parish.org and communicate your situation, we are always here to help!
2023-2024 First Holy Communion Schedule
Parent Meeting: Sunday, December 10th For all parents of a child making First Reconciliation & First Communion
Parent/Child Session: Sunday, March 24th In the Gym during class 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM
At Home Program Parents & SCS Parents - at least one Parent/Adult and the First Communion Student need to attend
Retreat: Child Only extended day on campus learning session Bring a lunch with drink
Sunday, April 21st In the Gym 10:15 AM to 1:30 PM
At Home Program Parents & SCS Parents -ONLY the First Communion Student need to attend
Banners (made at home), Artwork for Service Program (optional), 2024 Confession made (signed paperwork) due on or before Sunday, April 21st
First Holy Communion Mass/Rehearsal
You must signed up for either of the 2 Masses: https://signup.com/go/Tsduqrq
Students MUST attend the evening rehearsal that corresponds with the date and
time of their scheduled Mass. Attending a different one will not help anyone.
Saturday, May 4th 4:30pm Mass
Corresponding Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 1st – 7-8pm
Saturday, May 11th 4:30pm Mass
Corresponding Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 8th – 7-8pm
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). We will be distributing the Books on or around January 7th. These BLESSED BOOKS are to be done all at HOME.
BLESSED AT HOME OUTLINE - guide
Chapter 1 March 3rd
Chapter 2 March 17th
Chapter 3 March 24th
Chapter 4 April 14th
Chapter 5 April 21st
Chapter 6 April 28th
The Schedule is a guide, no matter how fast or slow you move through the BLESSED book, please be sure that your child has completed everything before Rehearsal. We know that there is a lot of pressure placed on parents and students, so if you are struggling, please contact Lori.S@JP2Parish.org and communicate your situation, we are always here to help!
PROPER RECPETION:
Traditional First Communion attire.
At First Holy Communion Mass
- proper reception of Communion will be reinforced during our retreat and in class.
- re-enforced at home and by watching closely as you receive at mass each week. Demonstrate, WITH the bow.
- important 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.
Traditional First Communion attire.
- White dresses for the girls,
- white or dark suits for the boys.
- The white is a reminder of our baptism, which unites us, and of the new life we come to in the sacrament.
At First Holy Communion Mass
- Children called individually by name, only the child may come forward to receive communion
- family and friends will be invited to receive after all the children, family members who cannot receive communion they may ask for a blessing by crossing their arms over their chest.
- allergy to food that may impede them from receiving of the Body of Christ (such as Celiac Disease) please let Barb or Lori know as soon as possible to we can take proper precaution.
- Will try the wine during retreat, asked to partake during Mass – if you are against it, make that clear with your child.
- HOPEFULLY have a photographer, photograph each child as he/she comes forward to receive the sacrament.
- After Mass, the children will line up for a group photo. PLEASE ALLOW OUR PHOTOGRAPHER TO TAKE HER PHOTOGRAPHS FIRST! Take your photos afterward.
- Once we secure our photographer, we will be providing more information, Most likely you can have a formal sitting before or after Mass. Family photos included.
- At most our Mass should be NO more than 1 ½ hours for our celebration including pictures.