To download a PDF printable version of this letter and an information package including dates for preparation, click here.

September 2022
Dear parents and caregivers,
In our Catholic faith, children in grade two (around age seven) and above are eligible to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Holy Eucharist for the first time. It is therefore with great joy that St Anne and St Joseph Parishes extend an invitation to your family to join our Sacramental Preparation this year.

As parents and caregivers, you know that you are your child’s first and most important teachers of faith. Our goal is to walk with you, providing tools and information to help you prepare your child for these two Sacraments. We do this through a mix of take-home resources, monthly preparation sessions with children and parents/caregivers, and visits to St Anne and St Bernadette grade two and three classes.

To begin this process, families are asked to attend one of two Information Sessions:

Sunday October 2, 6 pm at St Anne Church (268 East Ave)
OR
Monday October 3, 6 pm at St Joseph Church (148 Madison Ave S)

This and all dates are for the child and parent/caregiver(s) together.

The St Anne and St Joseph faith communities work closely together, with a single pastoral team. Therefore, you may choose between Sunday evenings at St Anne or Monday evenings at St Joseph for preparation sessions. See the back of this page for dates. No matter where you prepare, your child will receive First Eucharist at your own parish.

We would like to extend a particular invitation to those families who need extra support during this process. Children with special needs are welcomed and valued, and we are happy to work with you to offer any accommodations or adaptations needed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call your parish office, email us, or speak to us at Mass.

Yours in faith,
The Pastoral Team of St Anne and St Joseph
Father Brian Quigley
Father Mussie Keflezghi
Mary Forcier, Youth Minister

“Each time we receive Communion, we resemble Jesus more… as the bread and the wine are converted into the Body and Blood of the Lord, so too those who receive it with faith are transformed into a living Eucharist.”                                    – Pope Francis

Information Package for 2023 (PDF including schedule and reference info)

First Eucharist Dates
Due to the larger number of families at St Anne, we have 4 dates, limited to 12 families each. During registration, please indicate your first and second choice of date. Each date has a corresponding retreat.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shift and change, we are making every effort to adapt and adjust our Sacramental preparation process. Dates and procedures may change as we move forward. We ask for your patience, and welcome your feedback on how we can best journey with you in faith during this time. 

If the Registration form does not load, please try going directly to https://forms.office.com/r/wD4jDqZ6fT or contact Mary for support.

If you would prefer to complete a paper form, please contact Mary or the Parish office.

Videos
Prepared by Busted Halo, these short videos are a quick refresher on the importance of these Sacraments. 

Children and adults living with disabilities are called to be active members of our faith community, and to participate fully in the life of faith. When it comes to recieving the Sacraments, adapted or alternative preparation is sometimes needed, but God remains the same! 

Parents know their children best. How each child learns, how they communicate, and how they demonstrate their learning varries. Our parish team has experience working with a variety of special needs, and is always open to learning more! Please contact Mary at mforcier@hamiltondiocese.com to begin the conversation of how we can help your child to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. 


Information from the Diocese of Hamilton is available at https://hamiltondiocese.com/offices/evangelization-catechesis/sacraments/preparation-children-special-needs