Diocesan guidelines for First
Reconciliation state that children be prepared for and given the
opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before
their first reception of the Eucharist. The child’s readiness for
the celebration of each of the sacraments is to be determined by
the child, the parent, who is the primary educator of his/her
child, and the pastor or his delegate. (Diocesan Policy 9/18/85)
If the parent, catechist, pastor or his delegate deems the child
is not sufficiently prepared or there is not a sincere commitment
to receive the sacrament, it may be recommended to the child and
the parent(s) that celebration of the sacrament be postponed.
However, the preparation of the child to receive the sacrament
should continue so that the postponement is a relatively short
period of time. (GCD Add #4, #5)
Classes for First
Reconciliation will be taught during the regular Life Long Faith
Formation Classes for the 2nd grade students. If your child is
passed second grade in the celebration of sacraments see the
section on children’s catechumenate.
Diocesan guidelines state that
religious readiness for celebration of this sacrament should be
based not only on chronological age and school grade but also the
child’s preparedness to encounter Christ in this sacramental
celebration. The child’s readiness for the celebration of each of
the sacraments is to be determined by the child, the parent, who
is the primary educator of his/her child, and the pastor or his
delegate. (NCD 122, Archdiocesan Policy, 9/18/85). If the
parent, catechist, pastor, or his delegate deems the child is NOT
sufficiently prepared or there is not a sincere commitment to
receive the sacrament, it may be recommended to the child and the
parent(s) that celebration of the sacrament be postponed. (C.914,
GDC Add. 4) However, the preparation of the child to
receive the sacrament should continue so that the postponement is
a relatively short period of time.
If the absences are excessive
please talk to the coordinator of life long faith formation about
circumstances surrounding the absences.
New parishioners who move into
the parish must get a letter from their former parish letting us
know that the child has been involved in life long faith formation
prior to transferring to St. Augustine.
The most common age to
celebrate their First Eucharist is in the 2nd grade. If
your child is passed the second grade in the celebration of
sacraments, see the section on Children’s Catechumenate.
Children attending Catholic
School will be required to attend the extra classes that focus on
the sacramental preparation.
Requirements for all students
in First Eucharist preparation include:
1)
Weekly Liturgy Attendance.
2)
Parent’s attendance at one of
the Parent Meetings scheduled.
3)
A copy of
the Baptismal Certificates for the child’s permanent file by
January 1, 2008.
4)
Minimal absences (3 unexcused
absences).
5)
Knowing all the required
prayers. (see Prayer Requirements section)