Parent Handbook for Sacramental Preparation

Transcription

1 Parent Handbook for Sacramental Preparation First Reconciliation & First Communion Parish Brockville, ON

2 Important Dates Welcome to the journey that will lead you and your child to First Reconciliation (Confessions) and First Communion. The following is a chart outlining upcoming dates and gatherings, necessary in the formation of your child s faith. NOTE: If your child still requires Baptism, please make arrangements with Father Jacob Chelamootil as soon as possible, in hopes that Baptism can be completed before First Reconciliation (March). Date Event Where Who Notes Saturday. Feb. 21, 2015 at 5:15 p.m. OR Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. (Be sure to attend Mass on one of these dates.) Enrolment Mass for First Communion & Reconciliation Parish, Brockville Students receiving the Sacraments & their families. This Mass is necessary in order to acknowledge and welcome those who are committing to the preparation of First Communion. Students are to bring their name card and a photo of themselves for the parish banner. Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. For All candidates First Reconciliation (Confessions) Parish, Brockville Candidates receiving the Sacraments & their families. The candidates will be expected to practise the upcoming procedure & prayer (Act of Contrition) at home with family before this date. Thursday, April 16, 2015 (10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.) For All candidates Retreat School All Candidates for First Communion Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. First Communion Parish, Brockville Candidates receiving the Sacraments & their families. A reception will be held following the service and group photo.

3 Checklist To ensure all of the necessary aspects have been completed, please refer to the following checklist and check each step once fulfilled: Be sure to complete the following necessities: If not already completed, be sure to fill out a registration form for your child and submit it to either Father Chelamootil or the church office. This form is typically completed on the evening of the parent meeting on October 8, If you were unable to attend, please complete the registration form (yellow paper), at the back of this handbook. If your child has not already been Baptized in the Catholic Faith, please make arrangements with Father Jacob Chelamootil as soon as possible. Date of Baptism: Provide Father Chelamootil or the church office with a copy of your child s Catholic Baptismal Certificate if your child was not baptized at Parish. Attend the enrolment Mass on either February 21, 2015 at 5:15 p.m. OR February 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. (whichever Mass best suits your schedule). This Mass is critical in welcoming and proclaiming your child s desire and decision to proceed with receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Practise the Act of Contrition prayer with your son/daughter. Attend First Reconciliation (confession) on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. at St. John Bosco Parish. Ensure that your child attends the First Communion retreat on April 16, 2015 at St. John Bosco School from 10:00 2:00 p.m. It is rooted in learning more about the symbols of the Mass, the Host and the Eucharistic celebration. Students from École Ange-Gabriel and the public schools are required to attend the retreat with the parent s signed consent. Attend First Communion Mass on Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Church. Be sure to arrive early in order to give your son/daughter ample time to prepare for his/her role in the Mass. A reception will follow the Mass and the group photo.

4 Prayers In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit When Mass begins, make a Sign of the Cross (commonly known as blessing ourselves ). Also, make a Sign of the Cross when beginning Confession and prayers. Mass, Confession and prayers also end by making a Sign of the Cross. It is important to bless yourself every time the priest gives you a blessing by making a Sign of the Cross over yourself. Here s how to bless yourself: Touch your forehead with the fingers of your right hand while saying, In the name of the Father Touch your upper abdomen, while saying, and of the Son, Touch your left shoulder while saying, and of the Holy Touch your right shoulder while saying, Spirit. When you remove your hand, say, Amen. Our Father Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are you amongst women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. The Glory Be Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Act of Contrition My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

5 Grace Before Meals Bless us O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your Bounty, through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Daily Morning Prayer Dear, God, we thank you for this day. We thank you for our families and friends. We thank you for our classmates. Be with us as we work and play today. Help us always to be kind to each other. We pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Scripture References Below you will find some Scripture Readings that you and your child may enjoy together, all the while learning more about Reconciliation and Communion. 1) John 6: Loaves and Fishes 2) Matthew 26: The Last Supper 3) Mark 4: Rocky Ground 4) Matthew 4: Jesus Calls His Disciples

6 Examination of Conscience for Children Based on the Ten Commandments The following questions shall assist your child in coming up with things to share with the priest during their First Reconciliation (confession): 1. Did I say my prayers every day? Did I say God s name in anger or frustration? Did I complain about going to Church? 2. Did I talk back to my father or mother? Did I help out around the house when I was asked? Did I get angry when I didn t get my way? Have I forgiven everyone? 3. Did I fight with my brother or sister? Was I mean to any of the other kids at school? Did I bully them? Did I make fun of anyone, or talk behind someone s back? Did I use bad words? 4. Did I watch any programs on TV or on the computer that I knew I should not be watching? 5. Did I take something without asking first? Did I share with others the things I have? Did I act selfishly with what was mine? Did I waste my food? 6. Did I tell any lies? Did I blame someone else for something that I did? Did I break something and not tell anyone?

7 Contacts Father Jacob Chelamootil: Church Office: (613) Marlene Leonard or Susan Visneski Schools: School (613) Kathy Laushway, Principal J. L. Jordan School (613) Karlene Elliott, Principal École Ange-Gabriel (613) Patrick Lamon, Principal Church Mass Times Saturday Evening Sunday Morning 5:15 p.m. 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

8 Frequently Asked Questions 1.) Who do I contact if I should happen to have a question? You may contact Father Chelamootil, either Marlene or Susan at the church office or the principal at your child s school. 2.) What do I do if my child (and family) have to miss an enrolment Mass? You will be required to contact Father Chelamootil to make him aware of your child s absence and to make arrangements to attend Mass the following Sunday, in order for your child to receive enrolment. 3.) What happens during an enrolment Mass? Father Chelamootil will officially welcome and acknowledge the candidates by name in preparation for the upcoming Sacraments. NOTE: The candidates do NOT perform their confession NOR receive the eucharistic host during these Masses. 4.) Will there be a reception following the First Communion Mass? Yes. There will be a reception held after the First Communion Mass following the group photo of all the First Communicants. 5.) What happens following First Communion? Immediately following the First Communion Mass, the candidates are led outside of the Church (weather permitting) to the lawn area to have their group photo taken. A copy of this photo will be given to the student approximately a week following the First Communion at their schools. Following the photo, there is a reception held at the parish centre. 6.) Where will we (my child and family) sit during the First Communion Mass? Each candidate shall sit with his/her family. Please ensure the candidate is seated closest to the aisle, as he/she shall be expected to participate periodically throughout the Mass.

9 7.) When do we arrive at the Church on the day of First Communion? Be sure to have your child arrive at the Church at least 20 minutes before the scheduled Mass time on that day, as he/she may have an early responsibility within the Mass. This shall afford families ample time to find their seats and to get settled. 8.) Can I take photos of my son/daughter during the First Communion Mass? Yes, you certainly may take photos of your son/daughter throughout the First Communion Mass. Father Chelamootil is fine with photos being taken. However, we do request that you respect all members attending Mass and do not interfere with the Sacrament of the First Communion Mass. 9.) What should my son wear during First Communion? Your son may wear a suit, if you wish; but he is not required to do so. He may wear dress pants and a dress shirt instead. It is entirely up to you as to what level of formality you prefer. In the past, boys typically wear dark coloured suits or dark coloured dress pants with a white or light-coloured dress shirt. Ties are also a nice touch. 10.) Can my daughter wear a veil? Can she wear gloves? Yes, she may wear a veil, gloves, etc. It is entirely up to you. There are some girls who do so each year. Typically, girls tend to wear a white or off-white ankle or knee-length dress (either is appropriate). It is your choice as to the degree of formality you wish to bestow upon your daughter. Some wish to go all-out with traditions of the veil, newly-purchased ornate floor length dress, gloves, etc.; while others desire to have their daughters wear a dress that was handed-down in tradition (carrying with it a great deal of meaning and significance). Please remember to choose attire that is easy for the child to walk, stand and sit. Remember, when the child receives First Communion, their hands should be free of any other articles like rosaries, etc.

10 Important Dates PLEASE POST THIS CALENDAR ON YOUR FRIDGE Welcome to the journey that will lead you and your child to First Reconciliation (Confessions) and First Communion. The following is a chart outlining upcoming dates and gatherings, necessary in the formation of your child s faith. NOTE: If your child still requires Baptism, please make arrangements with Father Jacob Chelamootil as soon as possible, in hopes that Baptism can be completed before First Reconciliation (March). Date Event Where Who Notes Saturday. Feb. 21, 2015 at 5:15 p.m. OR Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. (Be sure to attend Mass on one of these dates.) Enrolment Mass for First Communion & Reconciliation Parish, Brockville Students receiving the Sacraments & their families. This Mass is necessary in order to acknowledge and welcome those who are committing to the preparation of First Communion. Students are to bring their name card and a photo of themselves for the parish banner. Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. For All candidates First Reconciliation (Confessions) Parish, Brockville Candidates receiving the Sacraments & their families. The candidates will be expected to practise the upcoming procedure & prayer (Act of Contrition) at home with family before this date. Thursday, April 16, 2015 (10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.) For All candidates Retreat School All Candidates for First Communion Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. First Communion Parish, Brockville Candidates receiving the Sacraments & their families. A reception will be held following the service and group photo.

11 Preparing for the Sacraments Tips for Parents 1. Talk to your children about the sacraments they are going to be celebrating. Encourage and show interest in the various activities that surround these preparations. 2. Pray with your children and family and continue to pray for your children and family. 3. Be generous and loving to others, including those in special need within the family, parish and community. 4. Model forgiveness to them by the way you live your lives. Let them hear the words, I am sorry, and I forgive you, when mistakes are made. 5. Talk to your children about choices and the consequences of the choices they make. 6. Emphasize that God is a loving, forgiving, gentle Father, ever faithful, ever persevering in his friendship with us. He believes in us and is there for us always. 7. Reconciliation is a sacrament of forgiveness, healing and strength in which we experience personally our Heavenly Father s merciful love through the ministry of the priest. It is not something to fear. 8. Take your children to Mass and encourage them to participate in various ways (e.g.: joining the children s choir, carrying up the gifts, altar serving, or as readers). 9. Use missals and other books to show and explain the various parts of the Mass. Help them to learn the prayers and responses to the Mass. Discuss with your child what is happening during Mass, and why we do certain things for example, blessing ourselves, genuflecting towards the tabernacle, kneeling, standing, sitting, and the sign of peace. 10. Celebrate special days with special meals. A special Sunday dinner or birthday celebration, characterized with unique planning and festivity, provides a familiar experience the child can learn from when preparing for the celebration of First Communion. 11. Remember the celebration of your child s First Reconciliation and First Communion with memory or souvenir books, photos, a special family meal or snack, or perhaps a small appropriate gift. Keep the books available for them to look at in future years. 12. Be people of faith, hope and love.

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