First Eucharist Parent MeetingFebruary 12, 2020

Background of IHS

IHΣΟΥΣ

Matthew 26:26-29

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Parent Prayer

Lord, surround our children with goodness.

Lead them in your goodness each day.

Help them walk the path you’ve chosen.

Guide their steps along the way.

Teach them to trust your wisdom with faith from up above.

Keep them from all harm and bless them with your grace and love.

Amen.

Agenda

Tonight we will briefly discuss:

• Theology for the sacrament of First Eucharist

• Sacramental preparation in the Diocese of Rochester

• The readiness of the child

• Paperwork/Homework

• Schedule of Events

• Finish with questions, etc.

Theology of Sacraments

• Sacraments are visible signs of invisible grace.

– We are very tangible people and the sacraments help connect us to faith.

– The sacraments show that the loving God who made us, wants to be present to us.

– Like any loving relationship, people who love each other want to be together.

• God knows how hard it is for us to love someone we cannot see or touch, so the invisible God became human in the midst of our world.

Jesus is the original Sacrament given to us by God. God wished to become visible and close to us then and still does now.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

• God’s real presence in the Eucharist = Jesus is really and truly present to us in flesh and blood.

• The Eucharist is our most important sacrament which helps us become one with Jesus.

– It is also one of two sacraments that all Christian faiths receive as it is clearly stated in the Bible to “take and eat – do this in memory of me.”

What our prep does…• We help the children understand the Mass, by comparing the

process and parts of the Mass to a special event where family come together to share stories, listen, eat, and celebrate.

• We will talk about the objects that are used in the Mass and a little of the history of that object.

• We will uncover the meaning of the Eucharist and how it is the source and summit of our faith.

Sacraments of Initiation

• What are the Sacraments of Initiation?

• Generally speaking people who join clubs do not go through the initiation process and then stop attending.

– Participating in the First Eucharist celebration is a commitment to be an ongoing part of the community.

The Word Itself: Communion

• It is an act of unity.

• What we are seeing -Decline in attendance

– Don’t treat as a checklist

• Won’t all be “mountain top” moments

– There will be some

– If they don’t go they could miss them!

The Importance of the Mass

• What are some of your most memorable liturgy experiences?

• It is important that your children have a faith foundation before they prepare for Communion.

– So, try to start attending regularly – build the habit!

– They need this time to establish rootedness in the community

– It is not fair to the child to immerse him/her into the ultimate sacrament of Jesus’ presence without proper foundational background to fit the Eucharistic theology into. If they don’t understand who Jesus is, who God is, Salvation history, it will be very difficult for them to understand the Eucharist, the risen presence of Jesus.

Going Paperless – Where do I find…

1. Go to: www.stcathofsiena.org2. Click Faith Formation tab3. Click on Sacramental Preparation4. Then click on First Eucharist

- Scroll the bottom of that page to find documents

What you will find

• Diocesan Brochure

– Set the policies for preparation

• What age they can receive

• First Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist

• Need to be enrolled and regularly going to Faith Formation

– Our First Eucharist prep is not a complete catechesis program.

– Importance of Parents

• You are the first teachers – a parent should attend with the child to the classes.

– Readiness

• Age does not mean they are ready – being with them helps identify readiness.

– Can the sit through Mass without needing things to entertain them – toys, coloring, food, etc.?

– Can they distinguish that the Eucharist is different then regular bread – that there is something special about it?

– Do they want receive the sacrament?

Schedule of Events

• Classes are mandatory – but we understand schedules are busy.

– Let me know ahead of time if possible

– They will need to complete home study for lessons missed.

• All Wednesday classes – 6:00-7:00pm

– Except for Class #6 – Tuesday

– Let them eat if they need to…

– Arrive a little earlier than 6:00pm if possible.

Mass Sign-Up

• It is never too late to figure out what Mass you would like your child to receive the sacrament at.

• Max of 10 kids for a Mass.

• Can add/change up to the final class – April 29

• Google Sheet – link on website – Ashley will send out as well.

– Once you have chosen a Mass, get the rehearsal date in your calendars ASAP.

Curriculum Outline

• There are 8 classes

• Walk you through the Mass

• Class #4 is a baking event

– Wear clothes that can get dirty.

• This is for you as well! Ask question, provide input, encourage discussion

• There is some homework – usually a question or easy sheet that can be done on the way home.

Two Projects

Scrapbook Card First Eucharist Banner

• Will hang on the pews where their family will sit

• Kits will be handed out at class #1

• Due at Class #7 – April 22

• Kit Includes

– Directions and kit items

– Will need to add their name

• Recommendation

– Use hot glue

• No glitter please!

• A way to introduce themselves to the community.

• Will be hung up 2-3 weeks prior to Masses in atrium

• Stick with the 5 x 7 size – please don’t make larger than that.

• Use pics, stickers, fun facts – please no glitter! ☺

• Due at Class #6 – April 14• I have the scrapbook cards

available now – but also at the classes.• Take 1 or 2 of their favorite

colors (or they can do it later)

Details and Prayers

• Details! Details! Details

– Helpful information about the Eucharist Masses

– Kid sit in from row – Each family then has a pew

– Kids play large role at Mass – readers, gifts, stand around altar.

– What to wear?

– Will have a photographer

– Name tags and corsages/boutonnieres

– Will receive a certificate – no gift this year

– More info will be covered during the 2nd half of the final class.

• Prayers

– We don’t require them to memorize – but encourage

– At least try to have them memorize the Our Father

Forms and Certificates

• Candidate Application

– Please fill out for me when you are certain your child will proceed to prepare for the Sacrament.

– Write clearly – has info I need to fill out records book.

– Clarification on payment for sacramental prep

– Due by 2nd class – March 11

• Parish Registration

– Different from Faith Formation Registration

– You must be a registered parishioner to receive the sacraments here at the parish – one of the Diocesan policies

– If we don’t have a registration for your family – note in folder

• Baptismal Certificates – I have almost all of them! ☺

– If I don’t have your child’s certificate, I put a note in your folder.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist you left us the outstanding manifestation of your limitless love for us.

Thank You for giving our children the opportunity to experience this love in receiving the Sacrament for the first time.

May your Eucharist’s presence keep them ever free from sin, fortified in faith, pervaded by love for God and neighbor, and fruitful in virtue, that they may continue to receive You throughout life and attain final union with You at death.

Amen.