Children typically prepare for their First Holy Communion during the second half of their second grade year and celebrate this sacrament of the Eucharist after Easter. Parents are asked to join in helping their child prepare by taking them to Mass on Sunday, modeling reception of the Holy Eucharist, attending parent meetings, and working on preparation in the home as well as being involved in what is happening in their child’s religion classes.
The church asks that children prepare for and celebrate Reconciliation prior to receiving communion. Children at Holy Name of Jesus prepare for this sacrament of healing in the fall and celebrate this great sign of God's love in November
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Requirements for Sacrament of First Communion:
At least one parent must be a practicing and active Catholic who is willing to raise the child in the Catholic faith. You should be a registered parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus. To help your child understand the importance of this sacrament in their lives, actively attending weekend Mass as a family is crucial. Children will appreciate these sacraments more if they see their families doing the same each weekend. There will be a parents information meeting on Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 at 7PM in the Church Hall.
Prior to their First Communion, on the weekend of January 26 & 27, 2019, the children will participate in an enrolment ceremony during mass which provides an opportunity for the parish community to offer their prayerful support. You may attend any of the weekend masses. We ask that your child cut out and decorate the attached lamb with their name and picture and bring it to this enrolment ceremony. The lambs will be a visual reminder for our Church community to keep your children in their prayers as they prepare for their First Communion.
Preparation:
Preparation for this sacrament involves the formal and continuous education offered by the Catholic school, the assistance of the parish and the very important guidance given by you, the parents.
If your child attends a Public School you will receive a take-home program to help you work with your child for both of the sacraments. It will be available to you at the information meeting or by picking it up at the Church office.
During the course of these preparations, we find that a number of children have received baptism in a non-Catholic Church. Only baptized Catholics may receive these sacraments. If you are in such a situation, please contact Nick or Fr. Dave to discuss this further.
Children will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to their receiving their First Communion. This will be an opportunity for them to experience the wonderful gift of God’s love and forgiveness. Grade 2 classes from Holy Name of Jesus School will come over to the Church on Thursday and Friday November 29th and 30th to celebrate this sacrament at 9:45 a.m. Parents and grandparents are welcomed if they are free to attend. Children from all other schools will celebrate Reconciliation on Saturday December 1st at 10 a.m. in the Church.
When:
First Communions are celebrated with the child's family at one of the parish masses. The weekends available for reception of this sacrament are: April 27/28, May 4/5, May 11/12 and May 18/19 at either Saturday at 5 p.m., Sunday at 8:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. mass.
To start the registration process please fill in the First Communion Registration Form below. As well, a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate is required if the baptism occurred in a parish other than Holy Name of Jesus. For more information, please contact the parish office (519) 776-8483.