First Holy Communion is one of our three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that we become full members of the Church. We receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time during the First Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity that are truly present in the consecrated host and wine (now called the Body and Blood of Christ) on the altar.
First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in a Roman Catholic person’s life. It is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine. Most Catholic children receive their First Holy Communion when they are 7 or 8 years old as this is considered the age of reason.
Contacts
Donna Tomie
Pastoral Associate
INVITATION
September 2018
Dear Parents,
St. Joseph’s Parish invites you and your child to prepare this year for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
The preparation for these sacraments takes place at the church and in the home with the support of our Catholic schools.
You are asked to complete the attached registration package and include a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate. If your child was baptized at St. Joseph’s Parish, no copy is required. The requested donation to cover the costs of this program is $25.00. If you are paying by cheque, please issue it to St. Joseph’s Church, Highland Creek and include in the memo “First Communion Books”.
This package, along with payment will be expected to be returned completed at our first meeting.
Enrollment will be completed and key dates for the First Communion Program will be provided at the first meeting.
- First Meeting: Sunday, September 30th at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall.
- Repeated First Meeting: Monday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.
During this meeting there will be time for you to ask any questions. In addition you’re welcome to email me.
We look forward to this journey with you and your children.
God Bless,
Donna Tomie
Pastoral Associate
IMPORTANT DATES FOR RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION
RECONCILIATION
- 1st Parent Meeting:
- Sunday, September 30th at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall
- Repeat 1st Parent Meeting:
- Monday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Church
- 2nd Parent Meeting:
- Sunday, November 4th at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall
- Repeat 2nd Parent Meeting:
- Monday, November 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the Church
- Sacrament of First Reconciliation:
- T.B.A.
FIRST COMMUNION
- 1st Parent Meeting:
- Sunday, February 3rd at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall
- Repeat 1st Parent Meeting:
- Monday, February 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Church
- 2nd Parent Meeting:
- Sunday, March 3rd at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall
- Repeat 2nd Parent Meeting:
- Monday, March 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Church
(You are encouraged to bring your children to the second meeting as we will do a walk-through of the Eucharistic Celebration.)
FIRST COMMUNION MASSES
- Sunday, April 28th at 1:00 p.m.
- St. Brendan
- St. Jean de Brebeuf
- Sunday, May 5th at 1:00 p.m.
- Cardinal Leger
- St. Dominic Savio
- Sunday School
(groups T.B.A.)
LEARNING / CLASS MATERIALS
Each family will receive two workbooks
- We Prepare for Reconciliation
- We Share in the Eucharist
The total cost for both books if $25.00. If you are able to donate this amount this is greatly appreciated by the St. Joseph’s Family. If you are paying by cheque please issue it to St. Joseph’s Church, Highland Creek and include on the memo line “First Communion books.”