First Communion & REconciliation
"The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term Eucharist originates from the Greek word Eucharistia, meaning Thanksgiving. In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present - body, blood, sould and divinity - under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the "real presence" of Christ in the Eucharist." USCCB
Preparations for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion begin in the family. Please attend Mass weekly and on Holy Days with your children to establish a firm foundation.
Our Faith Formation team provides weekly instruction beginning in the first grade. If not enrolled at All Saints Academy, children should attend these classes for first through eighth grade.
Besides weekly classroom preparation, students and their parents should attend scheduled meetings and retreats. These events provide additional formation for your child so they are fully prepared to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
important dates
Jan. 15, 5:30-6:45pm - Parent Meeting
Feb. 19, 5:30-6:45pm - Parent Meeting
Mar. 19, 5:30-6:45pm - Parent Meeting
Apr. 16, 10:30am - Family Mass; Breakfast after Mass. Students decorate Communion Plates
Apr. 23, 5:30-6:30pm - Reconciliation Review & Church Tour (students only)
Apr. 27, 6:30pm - 1st Reconciliation Service
May 4, 6:30pm - 1st Communion Practice
May 7, 10:30am - 1st Holy Communion Mass
preparing at home
October
Parents:
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession - Session 1 "Where Are You?"
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven
November
Parents:
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession - Session 2 "An Encounter With Mercy"
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession - Session 3 "Embraced in Mercy: The Rite Explained"
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven
December
Parents:
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession - Biblical Foundations
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession - Answering Common Questions about Confession
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven
January
Parents:
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession - For Children: How to Make a Great Confession
February
Parents:
Presence for Parents: Preparing Your Child for First Holy Communion
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist Episode 1
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved
March
Parents:
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist Episode 2
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved
April
Parents:
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist Episode 3
Children:
Signs of Grace: You Are Loved
Checklist for First Reconciliation
Checklist for First Holy Communion
Provisions for Both Sacraments
Children must Attend Weekly Faith Formation Classes or attend All Saints Academy.
Parental Involvement at home, attendance at meetings and scheduled special events are essential and expected.
Readiness for the Reception of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist will be determined by the Parents, Elementary Coordinator, and Pastor.
Required Documents
Complete the Sacrament Registration Form.
Baptismal Certificate. If your child was not baptized at St. Jude, parents must provide a copy of your child's baptismal certificate to Mary Ellen in the parish office. Please contact her with any questions at mboruta@stjudes.net.
Thank you for the privilege of sharing these important spiritual milestones with your child!
If you have any questions, contact Janet DeBoe, Elementary Coordinator by email at jdeboe@stjudes.net.