Welcome to Sacramental Preparation

First Reconciliation & First Eucharist

Also known as Confession, the Sacrament of Reconciliation bestows God's love and forgiveness upon us, wiping our souls clean from sin.  For people who are already Baptized, this Sacrament is required before reception of First Eucharist.   The Sacrament of Eucharist is when we receive Jesus' Body and Blood.

The usual time for preparation is when children begin 2nd or 3rd grade.  However, anyone who wants to join the Catholic Church at whichever age can prepare for these Sacraments through the RCIA Program.

For those children entering 2nd or 3rd grade who have already been baptized in a Christian faith, registration begins on Palm Sunday Weekend, March 27/28, 2010.  By registering, your child is then enrolled to prepare for BOTH First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.  (If you have not been Baptized, please refer to the RCIA program for further information.)

Our program is parent-taught with considerable help and guidance from the Office of Catechesis, under the directorship of Linda Enloe, 3030770-0531  x7 or lindae@stthomasmore.org.

We begin in September of each year with an introductory Parent Meeting.  At this meeting, we discuss the entire process, distribute books, and give out the schedule for the calendar year.  It is crucial for everyone to be registered before this initial meeting.

Parents then work with their child at home using a book specifically preparing the child to receive their First Reconciliation.  The parents also attend two workshops with their child which include hands-on activities and demonstrations, furthering the children's preparation.  A final Parent Meeting dissiminates Ceremony details and Sacrament theology at an adult level.

The Ceremonies for First Reconciliation are usually in November of each year.

This same group of parents reconvenes in January to now begin preparation for First Eucharist.  The initial Parent Meeting for this Sacrament entails receiving a First Eucharist book for the child, the schedule of Parent/Child Workshops and learning more to help parents in teaching the Eucharist to their children.

The First Eucharist meeting is in January of each year, also followed by Parent/Child Workshops and a second Parent Meeting, similar in format to what is provided for First Reconciliation.  First Eucharist Ceremonies are on Saturdays during the Easter season.

Registration for these Sacraments will begin on before and after all masses on Palm Sunday Weekend, March 27/28, 2010.

For further information, please contact:  Linda Enloe  303-770-0531  x7  lindae@stthomasmore.org