You have asked to have your children baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?
Parents: We do.
~ Rite of Baptism
The Sacraments & the Journey of Faith
On the day of your child’s baptism, the priest asked you the above question to which you promised guide your child in the ways of faith. As your child continues to grow, it is time for him/ her to make the next step in the journey of faith and of deepening his/ her relationship with God. As you present your child for the reception of the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, you remain faithful to this promise made that day. May God continue to bless you as you fulfill the role of a Christian parent.
Registration
For children in grade 2 attending St. Michael School, registration forms are distributed at the school in September and are to be returned to the student’s teacher.
For children in grade 2 attending a Public School, parents are asked to register directly with the Parish Office. The Registration Form is available at the Parish Office or by download.
Parent Meeting
Both or one of the parents are asked to attend an information meeting on Tuesday, 22 September 2015 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary’s. This brief meeting will include an overview of the preparation process, expectations and a time for questions. The preparation booklets will be available for purchase at this meeting.
[accordion][accordion_section title=”First Reconciliation Preparation”]
For preparation for First Reconciliation, the children will be learning about God’s compassionate love, Jesus’ forgiveness and his gift of peace to his friends. Reinforcing each week’s lesson at home, will give the parent an opportunity to anticipate some questions their child might ask, and to share some of their insights about reconciliation and forgiveness. These weeks of preparation can lead to many years of comfortable discussions as their child continues to grow and learn from God, from their parents and from the Parish Community. As the day for First Reconciliation moves closer, parents should help their children recognize the parts of the Mass in which we regularly ask forgiveness and make peace in our worship to God.
Five preparation sessions will be held from October to early December during the Sunday Liturgies at St. Mary’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. Upon arrival, the children stay with their families in church until the priest calls them forward for a blessing. After the blessing the children will go to the Parish Hall with their purple Reconciliation book and a pencil.
Your child is expected to attend every session. If for a serious reason your child cannot attend, it is your responsibility to contact the Parish Office. Your child is responsible for the missed lesson, and should have it completed before the next session.
For the schedule of preparation sessions, please click on the link below:
Date for First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation for all candidates will be celebrated on Thursday, 3 December 2015 at 6:30 pm at St. Mary’s. We ask that at least one parent accompany the child.[/accordion_section][/accordion]
[accordion][accordion_section title=”First Communion Preparation”]
Six preparation sessions will be held throughout the months of January to early April during the Sunday Liturgies at St. Mary’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. Upon arrival, the children stay with their families in church until the priest calls them forward for a blessing. After the blessing, the children will go to the Parish Hall with their yellow Eucharist book and a pencil. During this preparation, the children will learn about the many gifts God has given us, especially the greatest gift of all, his Son Jesus. They will learn how they are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ to assist them in growing in virtue and the Christian life.
Your child is expected to attend every session. If for a serious reason your child cannot attend, it is your responsibility to contact the Parish Office. Your child is responsible for the missed lesson, and should have it completed before the next session.
For the schedule of preparation sessions, please click on the link below:
First Communion Retreat
This retreat is an opportunity to gather all the children together for an afternoon of learning and fun. Through videos, song, and activities they will deepen their appreciation for God’s love and the desire to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. The retreat is scheduled for Saturday, 2 April 2016 from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm at St. Mary’s. All candidates are to attend with one parent.
Rehearsal Dates
The rehearsal for children receiving their First Communion at St. Mary’s is on Tuesday, 12 April 2016 at 7:00 pm. We ask that one parent accompanies their child.
The rehearsal for children receiving their First Communion at Our Lady of Lourdes is on Thursday, 14 April 2016 at 7:00 pm. We ask that one parent accompanies their child.
Dates for First Communion
First Communion will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday, 17 April 2016 during the 9:00 am Mass.
First Communion will be celebrated at St. Mary’s on Sunday, 17 April 2016 during the 11:00 am Mass.
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A Child’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I prepare to receive your Body and Blood for the first of many times, I ask you to watch over me, that as I grow, you will teach me all that I need to know. Protect me daily from all things bad and fill my heart with all things glad. Send your Holy Spirit to guide me and fill me with your love and grace. Amen.
A Parent’s Prayer
Lord, give us the wisdom and the courage to help our children as you would, to develop in them a Christ-like love for all people, to nurture in them a desire to give and not simply to take, to teach them to hear and live your Holy Word. Guide us in our parental responsibilities to strengthen our love as a family so that we may work together to grow closer to you. May we be the expression of your love to our children so that each day will be as today, your love received and shared, to help us to be one in the Body of Christ. Amen.[/accordion_section][/accordion]