OLC FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST HOLY EUCHARIST A Guide for Parents and Students Dana D. Callan-Farley, Pastoral Associate

WELCOME! Today’s Meeting  Prayer  Requirements for this program.  Why does the Church offer First Eucharist and First Reconciliation at this time in the development of a person?  The Scope and Sequence of the Curriculum  Attendance Expectations and Calendar  Questions you may have

OPENING PRAYER  Eternal Father, who gave your only-begotten Son for the salvation of all and especially for the salvation of little ones, we humbly beseech you to send your Spirit to prepare the hearts of these children here today to receive your Son at their First Holy Communion and to renew the strength of their parents to fulfill their dearest responsibility of nurturing the eucharistic faith of their children. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  AMEN.

REQUIREMENTS  OLC Membership (exception: must receive permission from the parish you attend)  Baptismal Certificate (if you were baptized at OLC, you don’t have to get a certificate)  Paperwork  Attendance  $60  Student must make First Reconciliation before they will be allowed to make First Eucharist.

FAMILY EXPECTATIONS  Complete the Family Guide Activities  Pray with your child  Attend Mass  Communicate any issues

WHY NOT AT OLC SCHOOL? School religious instruction is primarily academic – oriented towards grades. There are no grades in this program. Increase the connection between the public school students and the OLC students. Increase the relationship of all students to OLC Parish Community.

WHY NOW?  St. Thomas Aquinas and the “Age of Reason” …Generally identified at 7 years of age …A deeper understanding of “right and wrong” …The ability to identify and acknowledge sorrow  Practices in Catholicism …Reconciliation (Confession) always precedes First Holy Eucharist …Many programs last two years or longer; others are much shorter – there is no requirement, each parish determines their own program.

SCOPE AND SEQUENCE  Saturday Meetings: Will focus on faith formation and community building.  Wednesday Meetings: Will focus on faith literacy and understanding the essential “facts” about the sacraments, preparation for sacraments, and practicing the key components of the participating in the sacraments.

SCHEDULING AND CALENDAR All Classes will be held on Saturdays and Wednesdays (see calendar), with the exceptions of:  First Reconciliation  The Saturday before Palm Sunday (March 31, 2012) - 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  First Eucharist  Rehearsal – May 19; 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.Required meeting  Reception – 12:30 p.m. Mass on May 20, 2012

ATTENDANCE  The parish expectation is students attend ALL the meetings.  We acknowledge that circumstances occur that prevents attendance.  The schedule was developed with family activities in mind, e.g. Easter Break.  Communication is key.

QUESTIONS?