First Eucharist and First Reconciliation
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- First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
- Welcome Letter 2024
- Schedule for 2024
- Registration 2024
- Quick Resources
- Children with Special Needs
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Sacramental PreparationStarting 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.
Because St Anne Church is partnered with St Joseph Church, preparation is offered at both locations. Families are welcome to prepare at whichever location works best for them. First Communion itself is celebrated in the Parish you are connected with.
For the full 2023/2024 Schedule, please see the tab to the side.
*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.
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September 2023
Dear parents and caregivers,
In our Roman Catholic faith, children in grade two and above are eligible to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Holy Eucharist for the first time. It is with great joy that St Anne and St Joseph Parishes invite your family to join this year’s Sacramental Preparation.
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 this year, providing tools and information to help you prepare your child for these two Sacraments. We do this through take-home resources, monthly preparation sessions with children and parents/caregivers, and class visits at St Anne and St Bernadette.
To begin this process, families are asked to attend one of two Information Sessions:
Sunday October 1, 6 pm at St Joseph Church (148 Madison Ave. S.)ORWednesday October 4, 6 pm at St Anne Parish Church (268 East Ave.)
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 Joseph or Wednesday evenings at St Anne for preparation sessions. All dates are in the "Schedule for 2024" tab. 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 children and families who need extra support during this process. We are happy to work with you to offer any accommodations or adaptations needed. If your child has not been baptized, or was baptized into another Christian denomination and would like to become Catholic, please contact our youth minister Mary so we can make appropriate arrangements for your child to join us this year.
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
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2023/2024 School Year Schedule for Preparation and Sacraments
Welcome letter and Dates for 2024 (PDF)
This year, families can choose between monthly preparation sessions at St Joseph on Sunday evenings or St Anne on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 pm. You may choose the location and date that best suits you, regardless of which church or school you attend.
Your First Eucharist Mass will be at your own parish.Sundays
(At St Joseph)Wednesdays
(At St Anne)October 16-7 pmOctober 46-7 pmInformation Session for children and parents/caregivers Wednesday October 25 Registration due November 5
6-7 pmNovember 8
6-7 pmReconciliation Session December 3
6-7 pmDecember 6
6-7 pmReconciliation Session Saturday
January 13
1 pm-3:30 pmSaturday
January 20
1 pm-3:30 pmReconciliation Retreat January 14
6-7 pmJanuary 24
6-7 pmReconciliation Liturgy February 4
6-7 pmFebruary 7
6-7 pmFirst Communion Session March 3
6-7 pmMarch 6
6-7 pmFirst Communion Session April 7
6-7 pmApril 10
6-7 pmFirst Communion Session
First Eucharist Dates
Due to the large number of families at St Anne, we have 3 dates available. During registration, please indicate your first and second choice of date. Each date has a corresponding retreat.If you choose this First Eucharist date: You choose this Retreat: Sunday April 21, 9:30 am
St Anne ParishSaturday April 13, 12:30-3:30 pm,
St Joseph Parish HallSaturday April 27, 4 pm
St Anne ParishSaturday April 20, 12:30-3:30 pm,
St Anne Parish HallSunday April 28, 9:30 am
St Anne ParishSaturday April 20, 12:30-3:30 pm,
St Anne Parish Hall
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Online Registration Form
Registration will open after our Information Session on October 1. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact Mary Forcier at [email protected]
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Quick Resources for Families
Downloads
Family is the first place children find and learn the language of love. These short pamphlets will help you connect your own faith and family life with your upcoming sacraments. Created by our Diocese Catechetical Office in mid 2020, these resources give simple, effective suggestions for parents and caregivers to help prepare children for Reconciliation and Eucharist in everyday ways.
Videos
Prepared by Busted Halo, these short videos are a quick refresher on the importance of these Sacraments.
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Sacramental Preparation for Children with Special Needs
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 [email protected] 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