Starting in grade 2, children who have already been baptized* prepare for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation together. This catechesis takes place in a partnership between the home, parish, and school if the child attends a Catholic elementary school. Preparation begins in the fall, and both sacraments are usually celebrated in the spring. If you have any questions, please contact our youth minister, Mary Forcier.

*Children who have not yet been baptized, and are in grade 2 or above, will be prepared for and celebrate Baptism before their first Reconciliation. If this is applicable to your child(ren), make sure to indicate this in your registration.

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

January 2021

Dear parents and guardians,

In our Catholic faith, grade two (around age seven) is commonly when a person is eligible to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for the first time. It is with great joy and anticipation that St Anne Parish extends an invitation to you and your children to receive these sacraments.

As parents, you know that you are your child’s first and most important teachers of the faith. Our goal as a parish is to walk with you and provide tools and information needed to help your child prepare to receive Christ in the Eucharist, and to experience his mercy in Reconciliation. We will be partnering with you by providing at-home resources and running virtual Zoom sessions for parents/ guardians and children together. In the tabs to the left, you will find a schedule and more information about how we are approaching the sacraments during this time of Pandemic.

To begin this journey, we ask that you and your child attend our virtual information session for children, parents, and guardians. You have two options to attend: Sunday, January 10 at 6:30 pm or Wednesday, January 13, 6:30 pm. At this session we will present an overview of our preparation process, introduce the pastoral team, and walk through some of the family resources we will use. To access the Zoom calls, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83619116382 (January 10) or https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86135780752 (January 13). These links are also available on our website at stanneskitchener.ca/first-eucharist.

While these sacraments are often celebrated in grade two, we also welcome any children above grade 2 who are interested. If your child has not been baptized, or was baptized into another Christian denomination and would like to become Catholic, please contact the parish so we can assist you.

If you have any questions or concerns we would be more than happy to speak with you. Please call the parish office to speak with Father Brian or with Mary, or email us at the addresses below.

Yours in faith,
St Anne Pastoral Team

Father Brian Quigley                      
Father Tom Vermiglio
Father Mussie Keflezghi
Mary Forcier, Youth Minister

“Each time we receive Communion, we resemble Jesus more; we transform ourselves more fully into Jesus. As the bread and the wine are changed 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 2021 (PDF including schedule and reference info)

Families with children in grade 2 or above are asked to mark their calendars to attend one of two virtual information sessions:

Sunday January 10 at 6:30 pm (Click here to join)
OR
Wednesday January 13 at 6:30 pm (Click here to join)

The registration form is available in the tab to the left and can be completed online. Registration forms are due Sunday, January 31.

Important information:

• All formation will be available online and through at-home resource books. 
• Online sessions will be offered on Sundays and Wednesdays and families may choose which group to join for the year. Depending on the Pandemic protocols in future some sessions may have an in-person option, but online will always be available.
• First Reconciliation is planned for the week of March 21 - 27. There will be multiple celebrations for distancing and capacity. This sacrament must take place in person.
• First Eucharist Masses will take place in May, during the Easter Season.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shift and change, we are making every effort to adapt and adjust our Sacramental preparation process. We were able to successfully and safely celebrate First Communion and Confirmation in October and November, following all protocols carefully. We ask for your patience, and welcome your feedback on how we can best journey with you in faith during this time. 

Schedule
(Families choose between Sunday and Wednesday evenings for the year)

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