First Holy Communion and Confession
Quote from Prince of Peace Christian Formation Booklet:
“The Council of Trent defined a sacrament as “an outward sign of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our salvation.” Jesus came to save us, and we can be saved only if we have a personal relationship with God, and God gave us the seven sacraments as helps to our salvation. Each is a sacrament of faith: it expresses the faith of the believer even as it increases it. The sacraments, however, are not just individual expressions of the faith; they are expressions of the faith of the whole Church. That is why the sacraments are celebrated during the liturgy, the public prayer of the Church, and why the requirements for their reception are given to us by the Church. Christian Formation prepares us for the sacraments (catechesis) but also helps to deepen the faith increased through the sacraments (mystagogy). All Christian Formation is sacramental in character, as it brings us to understand better the Christ whom we encounter through the sacraments.
Parents who have been bringing their children every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation to Mass will naturally want to see their children with them at the Altar to receive Holy Communion. Any child who has reached the age of reason may enroll in the parish’s program for preparation for First Penance and Holy Communion. In order for the child to receive the sacraments, however, he and his family must have signed the Covenant and kept its stipulations, and the child must of his own free will request to receive the sacraments. Furthermore, the child and his Catholic parents must pass a test of basic knowledge in order to receive the sacrament. Normally, baptized children in the second grade or above may be enrolled in the program, but any Catholic child who has not received the sacraments who can fulfill the requirements may be enrolled. ”
First Holy Communion Registration
Fr Smith Communion/Confirmation Letter–Effective June 2013
Upcoming First Confessions–see schedule and dates below
At least one parent must stay with their student to maintain the silence. Parents are also encouraged to go to Confession during their child’s schedule Confession time. Parents are welcome to the Ice Cream Sundae Reception immediately following Confessions. Children should be dressed in Sunday’s best.
SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, 13 March 2013–6:30p–Mrs. French’s RE Class/ Homeschoolers (Surname M-Z)
RE Students meet in Mrs. French’s Room
Homeschoolers and RE/Homeschool Parents meet in the Church
Ice Cream Sundae Reception to follow in the PAC
Thursday, 14 March 2013–6:30p–Mrs. Alabau’s POPCS Class
POPCS Students and Parents meet in the Church
Ice Cream Sundae Reception to follow in PAC
First Holy Communion Retreat and Final Parents Meeting
Saturday, 16 March 2013–8:45a-12p
Meet in the PAC at 8.45a for sign-in and Continental Breakfast. Parents are encouraged to come at 8.30a to beat the rush and enjoy a “sweet” moment with their child. Parents meeting at 9a in the church with Father Smith. Parents may “shadow” their children after the mandatory meeting.
First Holy Communion Portraits (optional)
Wednesday, 27 March 2013–see schedule below
If you want to have your First Communicant’s picture taken please come to the PAC on Wednesday, 27 March 2013 for professional portraits. PARENTS MUST BE PRESENT AND WAIT IN LINE WITH THEIR CHILD.
RE Students should arrive to class in their First Holy Communion outfits but may want to change into casual clothes after they have their picture taken. RE Students should start in the classroom for attendance and will then be taken to the PAC by their parent. ONLY CHILDREN WITH A PARENT WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED.
Please note the schedule below:
3.30p-4.45p POPCS Students (Surname A-L)
4.45p-6.00p POPCS Students (Surname M-Z)
6.00p-6.30p Homeschoolers and Early RE Students
6.30p-7.00p Mrs. French’s Student (Parent with their own child)
7.00p-7.45p Mrs. Harris’ Students (Parent with their own child)
First Communion/Confession Diocesan Criteria:
- The Diocese of Charleston requires that a person/family be a parishioner for at least six months before receiving any sacrament
- The Diocese of Charleston requires two years of preparation for the sacrament of First Holy Communion, usually beginning in the First Grade
- Children must have completed First Grade and be 7 years of age
- Older children (older than 7 years old) must also be prepared for two years while simultaneously studying at grade level
- Children will be tested on basic catechetical points pertaining to the Sacrament of the Blessed Sacrament
- Parents/Children must participate in all Sacramental meetings
- First Confession must be received before First Communion
- Children must attend a First Holy Communion Retreat and may only miss due to grave illness
- Children will receive Sacraments with the School, Religious Education and homeschooled children
- Children must complete all requirements set by the Diocese of Charleston and the Parish
- The pastor is the only one who can grant exceptions to the above criteria
Please contact Mrs. Lara Pennell if you have any questions concerning the reception of these sacraments.
