Sacrament of Holy Eucharist
The sacrament of Holy Eucharist celebrates God’s love and presence.
The Eucharist nourishes and strengthens us to live and grow in the Christian life.
The Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is the source and center of our faith.
The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist is normally celebrated after the child has received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to give the immediate preparation for this Sacrament. The Religious Education Office will provide the text, parent information, videos and any other assistance needed. A materials fee ($30.00 payable at the parent meeting) helps defray the cost of the program. A copy of the child’s Baptismal certificate is required at the time of the Parent Meeting.
Program Components
1. The family must be registered members of St. Joseph Parish.
2. The child prays and attends Mass each Saturday/Sunday with the family.
3. Each child has received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or, after completion of the Reconciliation preparation program, the parent(s) has discussed – in person – with the Director of Religious Education, the School Principal or one of the Parish Priests why the child is not ready to receive Reconciliation.
4. The parent(s) must attend the scheduled Parent Meeting where registration takes place.
5. Each child must have completed one year of a parish/school religious education program and be currently enrolled.
6. Each child is usually in the 2nd grade AND has reached the “age of reason” (7 years old) to begin sacramental preparation.
7. The child’s parent uses the provided Eucharist workbook with the child at home.
8. Each child, accompanied by his/her parent(s), attends the Eucharist workshop.
9. Each child and his/her parent(s) meets with a St. Joseph staff person with their completed book.
10. The child may celebrate First Eucharist at most scheduled weekend Masses outside of Lent (with the approval of the Religious Education Office) or at the Parish General Celebration in May.
First Eucharist Program Dates
Parent Meeting
Sunday, January 22, 2012 10:30am School Library
Thursday, January 26, 2012 7:30pm School Library
Rite of Blessing
All Masses—Weekend of February 4/5, 2012 Church
Workshop
Saturday, March 3, 2012 9:30am-12:30pm MPR/Church/Art Room
Teaching Mass
Saturday, March 17, 2012 10:00am Church
Staff Visit (by appointment)
During months of Lent – March/April
***Staff Visit must be completed by Monday April 18, 2011***
Celebration of First Eucharist
No First Eucharist Celebrations will take place during Lent (March 9 through April 20). Lent traditionally is a time of sacramental preparation – a time of prayer, study and attending Mass.
Individual First Eucharist Celebrations begin the weekend after Easter (April 30/May 1) through the Feast of the Body & Blood of Christ (June 26, 2011).
General Celebration for all First Eucharist Candidates
Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:30am Church