First Holy Communion

1. Parent Meeting

The January Parent Meeting addresses the specifics of First Communion.  This meeting will provide the opportunity to update and renew the adult’s theology and faith regarding the Sacrament of Eucharist.

2.Parent Participation

As primary catechists, parents have an active roll in their child’s preparation for First Communion.  This includes both assessing their child’s readiness for the sacrament, and proclaiming a Pledge of Commitment at the First Communion Liturgy.
         

• Assessment of Child’s Readiness:

Parents are encouraged to review the following questions with their child.  The child gets a sense of all that has been learned about Jesus and First Communion, while the parent is able to ascertain how well simple truths of faith have been understood. 

What does the word Eucharist mean?
Eucharist means “giving thanks”.  In the Eucharist we give thanks to God.

Why do we give thanks to God?
We give thanks to God for Jesus, God’s greatest gift to us.

What did Jesus do for us?
Jesus showed us how to live our faith.  He died on the cross for us and rose again that we might have a new life.

Do you know any stories about Him?
 (Told in child’s own words.  If child hesitates, suggest, “Do you remember the story about ...Loaves and Fishes; Wedding at Cana; Zaccheus; Last Supper”)

When did Jesus give us the Eucharist?
Jesus gave us the Eucharist at the Last Supper, the night before he died.

What happens to the bread and wine at Mass?
By the power of the Holy Spirit and the words and actions of the priest, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.

Whom do we receive in Holy Communion?
We receive Jesus, the Bread of Life.

• Parent Pledge of Commitment

Parents recite the following pledge:

I affirm my commitment to the Catholic Church to be a supportive force in my child’s life as I raise my child a Catholic.

Through my lived example, my child shall be reminded that I am the first and foremost catechist in the home.

Through me, my child shall come to understand Catholic values and attitudes by showing love for Christ and His Church.

Finally, I pledge to nurture the faith of my child by faithfully attending Mass each week together, by reverently receiving the Eucharist and living in its spirit, and by fostering justice and love in all our relationships as a family.