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.

Our Online Information Sessions for this year were held in early October. If you missed us, please contact Mary at mforcier@hamiltondiocese.com so we can get you caught up! It's not too late, but the quicker we can get your child on board, the better. 

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

September 2021

Dear parents and caregivers,

It is with great joy and anticipation that St Anne Parish and St Joseph Church extend an invitation to you and your children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for the first time. We anticipate that this year our preparation group will be a mix of mostly grade 2 and 3 students, but the process is open to all in grade 2 and above.

As parents and caregivers, you know that you are your child’s first and most important teachers of the faith. In partnership with our Catholic Schools, our goal is to work with you to prepare your child to receive Christ in the Eucharist and experience his mercy in Reconciliation. Through a mix of monthly family preparation sessions and at-home resources, we look forward to journeying with you.

The St Anne and St Joseph faith communities work closely together, with a single pastoral team. For 2021-2022, we are able to offer sacramental preparation together to give families more flexibility. You may choose between Sunday evenings at St Anne Parish or Monday evenings at St Joseph Church for preparation sessions. Our hope is to hold these in person, with a virtual option as needed.  Please see the 'Schedule for 2022' tab for more details.

Our Online Information Sessions for this year were held in early October. If you missed us, please contact Mary at mforcier@hamiltondiocese.com so we can get you caught up! It's not too late, but the quicker we can get your child on board, the better.  Children and parents/caregivers should attend the information meeting together.

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 the parish office, email us at the addresses below, or speak to us at Mass.

The pandemic has been tough on families. Through the Sacraments, God comes close to us in our joys, sorrows, successes, and frustrations. Our prayer is that as your family prepares for Reconciliation and the Eucharist, you continue to experience more of his loving presence in the midst of life.

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; 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 2022 (PDF including schedule and reference info)

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. 

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