--from American Catholic.com-
First Eucharist - Two consecutive years of instructions and a minimum age of 7 are required. Children must be enrolled in the Religious Education Program before they begin preparation for First Eucharist. Instruction for First Eucharist will begin in the second grade and the sacrament is celebrated in the third grade (or later) after the successful completion of the process.
Parents, as the primary catechists of their children, instruct their children at home for their immediate preparation.
Parents are required to attend the Parent Sacramental Program Meetings. Click here for dates, places and meeting times.
Preparation for the reception of the First Reconciliation takes place prior to receiving First Eucharist. The celebration of First Eucharist takes place at a Sunday Mass in late spring.
5. Other parish requirements:
- Parents must bring a copy of their child’s baptismal certificate to the Office of Catechetical Ministry as soon as possible.
- There are specific (4) books used in the sacramental preparation process – the cost for the set of four books is $50.
- All tuition and fees must be paid on time. Until these are paid, we cannot register the sacrament received or issue a certificate.
6. Notes and Dates:
- Preparation and celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation precedes First Eucharist and is kept distinct by the preparation and the celebration of the Sacrament itself.
- Children’s Reconciliation Service (First Confession) For All Grades & Programs will be Thursday May 8, 2008 at 7:00PM in the Serra Center. If your child is not prepared for this sacrament on the date designated for the communal celebration please DO NOT ATTEND THIS CELEBRATION. Please continue preparing your child. Once your child is ready, you have two weeks in which to bring them to Saturday Confessions 10:00AM to 11:00AM or call a priest to make an appointment.
c. Preparation for Sacrament of Eucharist begins only after the child/youth has completed their text on Reconciliation and most importantly comprehends this sacrament.
Rehearsal for First Eucharist (First Holy Communion) will be Thursday May 15, 2008 at 6:30PM in the Serra Center.
- Sunday May 18, 2008 is First Eucharist Sunday at the following masses: 8:00 AM, 10:00AM, Noon, and 5:00PM. You may attend any Masse you wish. Please note, Saturday evening masses are not available for this celebration.
7. Dress Code and Guidelines for First Eucharist:
- Girls: Any medium length Sunday dress is acceptable, no bridal styles (trains, multiple petticoats etc.). Most children wear a white dress with a simple veil, no crowns, tiaras or long veils.
Older girls (7th grade and up), spaghetti straps, sleeveless tops, sleeveless dresses are not allowed.
This is a sacramental celebration - not a party event and it is expected that your clothes will reflect this.
b. Boys: Any Sunday “dress attire” is acceptable. A dress shirt and tie, with dark colored pants is recommended. No jeans, un-tucked shirts, lowriders, or logos, hats, any form of head covering allowed for boys during the Mass or on the parish grounds.
Note: For all children/youths: no gloves, or prayer books, rosaries, medals or candles are to be carried by the children. The children will be receiving communion in the hand and as such, their hands are to be free and uncovered. All gifts are given to the child afterwards.
These guidelines are not meant to eliminate any authentic cultural traditions that one might wish to include. However, it is our wish that both the child and the family avoid any distraction during the celebration so that everyone can focus on the sacrament being celebrated.
If for any reason a child or youth is inappropriately dressed they will be asked to go home and change.
c. No photography or videos during the Mass. First communion pictures are to be taken before and after the Mass.
Join Us
For more information about Children's Sacramental Preparation, please call Larry LaGrasta at
760-757-3250 X318 or send an email.
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