First Eucharist and First Reconciliation
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UPDATE
First Reconciliation has now been rescheduled for March of 2022. If you have not received an email about the new dates and online retreats, please contact Mary at mforcier@hamiltondiocese.com
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- First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
- Welcome Letter 2022
- Schedule for 2022
- Quick Resources
- Children with Special Needs
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Sacramental Preparation
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 the 2021/2022 school year were held in early October. If you missed us, please contact Mary at mforcier@hamiltondiocese.com
*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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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 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
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2021/2022 School Year Schedule for Preparation
Information Package for 2022 (PDF including schedule and reference info)
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.
This year, families can choose between monthly sessions at St Anne on Sunday evenings or St Joseph on Monday evenings from 6-7 pm. (We hope to resume in-person sessions in 2022. Until then we will meet online.) 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.
Our hope is to hold these in the church, with a virtual option for those unable to come in person. Plan to attend the same preparation evening (Sunday or Monday) all year. Here are the dates you need to know.
Sundays Mondays If COVID conditions do not allow an in-person meeting, sessions will move online. November 1 Registration form due November 6-7 Pick up physical materials from parishes. Donations by cash or check (made out to St Anne Parish) accepted. Suggested Donation $25 November 7
6-7 pm
ONLINE ONLYNovember 8
6-7 pm
ONLINE ONLYFirst Session for Reconciliation December 5
6-7 pm
ONLINE ONLYDecember 6
6-7 pm
ONLINE ONLYReconciliation session Saturday
January 15
1 pm-3:30 pmSaturday
January 29
1 pm-3:30 pmReconciliation retreat January 30
6-7 pmJanuary 31
6-7 pmReconciliation Liturgy - RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 27 or 30th due to COVID February 6
6-7 pmFebruary 7
6-7 pmFirst Communion Session March 6
6-7 pmMarch 7
6-7 pmFirst Communion Session April 3
6-7 pmApril 4
6-7 pmFirst Communion Session Saturday
April 23
1-4pm (in person)Saturday
April 30
1-4 pm (online)First Communion Retreat 3:30 pm Sunday May 8 (Mother’s Day)
3:30 pm Sunday May 15
3:30 pm Sunday May 29First Communion Masses for St Anne - Please select your first choice of date on your registration form
11:00 am Sunday May 15 First Communion Mass for St Joseph 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.
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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 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