Church of the Risen Christ

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation

2011-2012

 At Church of the Risen Christ, the preparation for the celebration of these sacraments is done at home because we believe faith is first shared by families in their everyday activities of loving and forgiving.  Parents and children (ages 7 and older) are invited to begin this preparation. Families must be registered members of Church of the Risen Christ and children must be enrolled in our parish elementary religious education program (unless enrolled in Catholic school).  It is expected that families are attending Mass each Sunday and are involved in the activities and life of the parish.

When parents feel their child is ready they are asked to attend preparation sessions in order to help them with the privilege and responsibility of passing on their faith to their child.  The parish supplies the books and materials that you will use with your child.  When you and your child have finished going through the materials, you will make an appointment with one of our priests.  He will meet with you and your child and, if he feels the child is ready, will celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation with your child.  Please bring both your child’s books, which they will keep, so that the priest can talk with them about what they have learned in their preparation. During the meeting with the priest, after celebrating First Reconciliation, you may schedule the celebration of First Eucharist.  You will need to bring a copy of your child’s baptismal record with you in order to schedule First Eucharist.

There are two options for the celebration of your child’s First Eucharist.  Children may celebrate their First Eucharist during any one of our weekend Masses, at any time of the year (except on major holidays and holydays).  This allows families the flexibility of celebrating when it is convenient for them.  Or families may participate in a simple group First Eucharist.  The parents of several children may decide that, because their children know each other from school or religious education class, they would like them to celebrate First Eucharist together.  Children and parents still attend the preparation sessions and children are still prepared individually by their parents.  One parent from the group must take responsibility for contacting Debi Jamison at least three months prior to the celebration date.  If you wish your child to participate in a small group First Eucharist, all preparation must be completed and your child must have celebrated First Reconciliation with one of our priests at least three weeks before the small group First Eucharist celebration.  

There will be three parent preparation sessions this year.  Parents and child must attend one session.  They are held on a Sunday afternoon in November or January or on a Tuesday evening in May.  Whenever possible, both parents are asked to attend. The dates for the 2011-2012 sessions are listed below.

You must register with the religious education office in order to attend the sessions.  Call Debi Jamison at 303-758-8826 ext. 107 at least one week before the session you wish to attend to reserve your place and to reserve childcare if necessary. 

             The $50.00 material fee will be collected at the class.

Dates for 2011-12 Sacrament Preparation Sessions

All sessions meet in the Parish Center