First Eucharist Schedule

Registration forms  - click here

First Eucharist Celebrations begin April 28th and 29th, 2012 at specified weekend masses and continue throughout the month of May.

If you have questions about First Communion contact Tom Rizzo

First Communion

From the "LETTER OF THE POPE JOHN PAUL II TO CHILDREN IN THE YEAR OF THE FAMILY"

Dear friends, there is no doubt that an unforgettable meeting with Jesus is First Holy Communion, a day to be remembered as one of life's most beautiful. The Eucharist, instituted by Christ at the Last Supper, on the night before his Passion, is a Sacrament of the New Covenant, rather, the greatest of the Sacraments. In this Sacrament, the Lord becomes food for the soul under the appearances of bread and wine. Children receive this Sacrament solemnly a first time-in First Holy Communion-and are encouraged to receive it afterwards as often as possible in order to remain in close friendship with Jesus.

Preparation

Sacramental preparation is to be separate from the school and the religious education classroom. School or religious education sacramental preparation cannot adequately address the principles of readiness, the role of parents or the parish involvement/responsibility for sacramental preparation and celebration.

Immediate catechesis for the Sacrament of Eucharist is to be short and focused on the preparation for the celebration of the sacrament. The whole of the preparation process is to take no more than three months.

The goal of this catechesis is to help children participate in the Mass in a meaningful, reverent manner.

Readiness

Does your family participate in the life of the community in the areas of worship, formation (education) and service?

Has your child received appropriate formation for his/her age?

Does your family pray together at home?

As parents are you willing to commit to the continuing formation of your child in worship, formation and service?

Celebration

Here at St. John's, we celebrate this sacrament during Sunday Liturgy. Candidates select a Mass from the list provided and invite family and friends to attend.

The candidates are invited to join the procession at the beginning of Mass and bring the gifts to the Altar at the Presentation of the Gifts.

At Communion, the candidates and their immediate family will be called forward and be the first to receive the Eucharist. Other family members and the rest of the congregation will receive the Eucharist when all candidates have received this Sacrament.