FIRST EUCHARIST/ RECONCILIATION
Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
Archdiocesan guidelines state that children who have reached the age of reason—7 years of age—may prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and Eucharist.
The same guidelines direct that children be prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to receiving Holy Communion. Furthermore, the Archdiocesan guidelines require that parents participate in the process of preparing their children for the sacraments. An integral part of the preparation is regular attendance at Sunday Mass and participation in the life of the parish. The practice of faith in the home and community is by far a more important factor than age in determining the readiness of the child for the sacraments.
The parish provides a joint sacramental preparation process for the students enrolled in the parish school and public schools. Parents attend the same information meetings, family sessions, and first communion retreat in the spring. All Children (Our Lady of the Lake School and Religious Education) use the same textbooks and follow the same lesson plan.
PREPARATION PROCESS FOR THE SACRAMENTS
A calendar of events and lessons is made available to families in September. An orientation meeting for parents is held in October. The reconciliation classes for children start in October and end in December. The Eucharist classes begin in January. First Communion is celebrated on a designated Sunday after Easter.
To Parents of Children Preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
You are about to embark on one of the most gratifying spiritual journeys you will take with your child. Preparing a child for the sacraments is a time of sharing your faith with your child. It is a time of enriching and renewing religious customs in your home. It is a time for children enrolled in the parish school and religious education program to learn, pray and celebrate as one faith community, all following the same process for preparation for the sacraments.
Below is a description of the preparation process for the sacraments as implemented in our parish.
Parent Meetings
The first parent meeting will provide an overview of the entire process of preparation. The two subsequent parent meetings will focus on an adult understanding of the sacraments.
Family Sessions
Family sessions are designed for parents and children to work together on one or more of the sacramental symbols. These sessions provide an enjoyable experience while reinforcing a concept about the sacrament. It is very important that you accompany your son or daughter even if you have previously participated in the sessions with an older sibling. Your child needs you to assist him/her with the craft and to share in the discussion and prayer that follows.
Home Sessions
The home session consists of a conversation between the parent and the child after the lesson has been presented in the classroom. The conversation needs to include:
- 1) the scripture story
2) a review of the doctrine flowing from the scripture
3) prayer
Detailed information about home sessions will be addressed at the parent meetings.
Parent Meetings
The first parent meeting will provide an overview of the entire process of preparation. The two subsequent parent meetings will focus on an adult understanding of the sacraments.
RESOURCES
Calendar & Information
2009/2010 First Eucharist & Reconciliation Schedule
2009/2010 First Eucharist & Reconciliation Registration Form
For more information, please contact:
Sr. Janina Kokorowski
(503) 636-7687.
srjan@ollparish.com
