St. Katharine Drexel Parish First Reconciliation and First Communion Parent Handbook 2016-2017 Office of Religious Education 223 E. Union Street Burlington, NJ 08016 609-479-5099
Required Prayers for Second Grade Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Glory to the Father Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Meal Prayer Bless us, O Lord, and these, Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Our Father Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Act of Contrition My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help to do penance, to sin no more and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. in His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
Table of Contents Subject Page First Communion Team 1 Diocese of Trenton Guidelines 2 The Year at a Glance 3 Reconciliation Celebrations 3 How to Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 First Communion Banner, Retreat, Photo Sessions 5 Rehearsal and Mass Schedule First Communion Guidelines 6 Showing Reverence While Receiving Communion 7 First Reconciliation Retreat Registration Form 8 First Communion Retreat Registration Form 9 First Communion Sacrament Registration Form 10
First Communion Team The members of the First Communion Team have the responsibility of assisting parents in preparing their children to live the faith of the Catholic Church by living lives that express the values and grace of being a follower of Jesus. Parents will be the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith. May they be also the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Excerpt of the Baptismal blessing from the Rites of the Catholic Church) The Parents of all our communicants The Most Rev. David O Connell, Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton Reverend Christopher P. Picollo, Pastor Reverend Cesar Anson, Parochial Vicar Reverend Mr. Walter J. Karpecik, Jr., Permanent Deacon Reverend Mr. Alfred Pennise, Permanent Deacon Reverend Mr. Alexander Punchello, Permanent Deacon Mr. William Robbins, School Principal Mrs. Kathleen Del Prato, Coordinator of Religious Education Mrs. Meghan Pugh, Assistant, Religious Education Office St. Paul School Teachers Religious Education Program Mrs. Deborah Graf Mrs. Chrysta Cooblall Monday Mrs. Justine Bifano Mrs. Paula Teixeira Wednesday Mrs. Jeanne McElwee Summer Academy Page 1
Reconciliation Diocese of Trenton Guidelines The Catechism of the Catholic Church says about Reconciliation: Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God s mercy for the offense committed against Him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion. Our curriculum follows the guidelines as prepared by the Diocese of Trenton Religious Education Handbook (502), which states that immediate preparation for the first reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation will include the following concepts: The two Great Commandments Love God and others; Sin as a refusal to love God, others and ourselves; God is always ready to forgive us; It is within the Church, God s family that we publicly acknowledge God s forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation; Understanding the meaning of the sacramental encounter with Jesus; Helping children look at their choices not only their actions but the attitudes behind their actions; Knowing how to receive the Sacrament and be able to articulate an Act of Sorrow/Contrition; Experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a prayerful experience; Informing the children and parents that the sacrament may be celebrated differently in other parishes and in other settings so that they will be comfortable celebrating the sacrament wherever they may be. Communion Immediate preparation for the first reception of the sacrament of Communion will include an understanding of the following concepts as prepared by the Religious Education Handbook (602): To know who Jesus is and the main events of His life; To realize that Jesus is present in the Eucharistic Bread and Wine; To indicate a desire to receive the Eucharist; and include instruction for the parents and child in the proper way to exercise their option in receiving communion, i.e. in the hand or on the tongue. Page 2
The Year At A Glance Dates are subject to change. December 12 th, Monday First Reconciliation Retreat Registration forms due. See page 8 of this booklet. January 7, Saturday First Reconciliation Retreat for all 2 nd grade students 9:30 AM 12:15 PM at St. Paul s School cafeteria. Attendance is strongly encouraged. January 10, Tuesday Sacrament of Reconciliation for St. Paul s School and Monday Religious Education Students 7 PM at St. Paul s Church January 17, Tuesday Sacrament of Reconciliation for Summer Academy and Wednesday Religious Education Students 7 PM at St. Paul s Church April 3, Monday Due date for all Banners, registration forms and donation fees to the Religious Education Office April, Saturday Photo Sessions for all students. See Page 5 details. April 29, Saturday First Communion Retreat for all 2 nd grade students 9:30 AM 12:15 PM at St. Paul s School cafeteria. Attendance is strongly encouraged. May 2, Tuesday & May 4, Thursday First Communion Rehearsals at All Saints Church (See page 5 for details. Attendance is mandatory.) May 6, Saturday Sacrament of First Communion at All Saints Church 10 AM and 1 PM (See Page 5 for details.) Reconciliation Celebrations Sacrament of Reconciliation Services 7 PM on Tuesday, January 10 and Tuesday, January 17 January 10 January 17 St. Paul School and Monday Religious Education students Please plan to arrive between 6:40 & 6:50 PM so your child can receive final instructions. Summer Academy students and Wednesday Religious Education students Please plan to arrive between 6:40 & 6:50 PM so your child can receive final instructions. Priests will also be available at both services to hear confessions from family members who wish to receive the sacrament. No penitential service or confession shall be recorded, photographed or videotaped. This shall apply in a particular way to the celebration of First Reconciliation. (#503 from the Diocese of Trenton Religious Education Handbook) Page 3
How to Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation Please go over this page with your child, as they will need to know this in order to feel comfortable while speaking to the priest and receiving the Sacrament. Before we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation: 1. We THINK of our sins. (The Hand of Forgiveness 2. We are SORRY for our sins. on Page 9 is a helpful guide 3. We DECIDE not to sin again. for your child.) When we go to the Priest: 1. Father greets you, Hello and says your name and you will then greet him back by saying, Hello Father. 2. You make the sign of the cross as you say, Bless me Father, for I have sinned, this is my First Confession. Father I (tell Father your sins). 3. After you tell Father your sins you say, For these and all my sins, I am sorry. 4. Father will talk to you and then give you some prayers to say or an act of kindness for you to do. 5. Father will forgive you in God s name and for the Church. 6. Finish by saying Thank you, Father, kneel down on the steps, say the penance that Father gives you and go back to your parents. Parents, please explain to your child that in subsequent confessions they will say the Act of Contrition after #4 if there is no prayer service before confession. Also, in #2, the person says, Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been (tell Father the number of weeks/months) since my last confession. Here are some Bible passages you may enjoy reading with your children: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) Jesus Forgives (Luke 7:36-39, 44-50) The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14, or Luke 15:4-7) The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40, or Mark 12:28-34) Jesus the Good Shepherd (John 10:15) Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) Jesus Blesses the Children (Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, or Luke 18:15-17) Page 4
First Communion Banner, Retreat, Photos Sessions, Rehearsal & Mass First Communion Banners Each family is asked to purchase a kit to make a banner which will mark your family s assigned pew in the Church. They can be taken home at the end of Mass. Banner kits are available at most craft stores and Catholic supply websites. The recommended banner size is no larger than 9 x 12 inches. Plan ahead! Completed banners are due by April 3 rd. If you have any questions, please contact the Religious Education Office. First Communion Retreat Attendance at the retreat is strongly encouraged for all 2 nd grade students. The registration form is located on page 12 of this booklet and the completed form is due to the Rel Ed office by April 3 rd. First Communion Photos St. Katharine Drexel Parish has arranged for photo sessions children receiving the sacrament at St. Paul s Church on a Saturday in April. The scheduled times for each group will be announced shortly and parents will be notified. First Communion Rehearsals It is important that you bring your child to his/her scheduled rehearsal so that they know what to expect and therefore will be more comfortable during their First Communion celebration. Please plan for them to stay the whole hour at rehearsal. Date for First Communion Photo Session Rehearsal May 6 at 10:00 AM Tues May 2 St. Paul s School & Date & Time TBA 6:30 PM Monday Religious Education students Date & Time TBA May 6 at 1:00 PM Thurs May 4 Summer Academy & Date & Time TBA 6:30 PM Wednesday Religious Education students Date & Time TBA First Communion Masses are usually one hour in length. We will start promptly at the times indicated for each Mass. Page 5
Some First Communion Guidelines Dress for Communion Celebration Girls: Dresses can be white or a pastel color. Their shoulders must be covered by sleeves, shawl or a sweater. (No spaghetti straps). Veils or flowers (fresh or silk) in their hair are optional. No gloves should be worn and nothing is to be carried in the Communicants hand. Boys: Jacket, slacks, dress shirt of any color. Tie are welcomed (no cartoon figures), dress shoes (no sneakers). Boutonnieres are permitted. Photographs St. Katharine Drexel Parish will provide a professional photographer at First Communion Masses. Photos of students will also be taken on a Saturday in April (see page 5 for details). It is requested that NO OTHER PICTURES OR VIDEOS BE TAKEN DURING THE FIRST COMMUNION MASS. You may take your child s picture as he/she enters the church and after Mass in the Church and on the grounds. First Communion Certificates Your child s certificate will be in your assigned pew on their First Communion day. First Communion Memento Your child s memento will be in your assigned pew on their First Communion day. Registration Donation The requested donation for First Communion is $50, which takes care of the added expenses that occur, including: printing programs, certificates, candles, sacrament retreats, photography, decorations and First Reconciliation expenses. The donation and First Communion Registration form, Banner and Retreat Registration form are due by Monday, April 3 rd. Page 6
Showing Reverence While Receiving Communion Here are some ways we can show reverence and respect for the Communion. Walk slowly toward the Eucharistic minister, thinking about giving yourself to Jesus as you receive the Bread of Life. Bow reverently before receiving communion. You may receive both bread and wine (Body and Blood of Jesus) when both are offered. Receive the bread by making a bowl with your hands. Say Amen loudly and clearly and look at the priest or Eucharistic minister. Fold your hands and prayerfully return to your seat. Kneel and say a prayer to Jesus. Here are some ways we can show reverence and respect for other persons who are receiving the Body of Christ. Wait reverently for your turn. Be aware of others around you. Give others the sign of peace and thoughtfully pray The Our Father. Pray for others who are receiving the Eucharistic meal together with you at the table of the Lord. Sing the communion song with the community. Keep a reverent silence (except for the song) after you have received the Body and Blood of Christ. Remember that others have received Jesus and be respectful of their prayerful time. Page 7
First Reconciliation Retreat Registration Form This form is due to the Religious Education Office by December 12 th. The retreat will be held on January 7, 2017 from 9:30 am to 12:15 pm at St. Paul s School cafeteria. Attendance is strongly encouraged. Child s Name Address Class Session: (Mon, Wed, SA or St. Paul School) Emergency Contact Name Emergency Contact Phone Number Please list any food allergies Please list any special concerns Please plan on picking your child up at 12:15. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Religious Education Office by calling 609-479-5099 or email at kdelprato@stkatharinedrexel-nj.org Page 8
First Communion Retreat Registration Form This form, along with your banner and donation fee is due the Religious Education Office by April 3 rd. The retreat will be held on April 29, 2017 from 9:30 am to 12:15 pm at St. Paul s School cafeteria. Attendance is strongly encouraged. Child s Name Address Class Session: (Mon, Wed, SA or St. Paul School) Emergency Contact Name Emergency Contact Phone Number Please list any food allergies Please list any special concerns Please plan on picking your child up at 12:15. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Religious Education Office by calling 609-479-5099 or email at kdelprato@stkatharinedrexel-nj.org Page 9
Sacrament of Communion Registration Form **Please return to the Office of Religious Education with a $50 donation by April 3 rd ** Child s Name Last First Middle Initial Date of Birth / / City/State Age (at the time of 1 st Communion) Baptism Date / / Parish ** City/State Child s Address Father s Name Mother s MAIDEN Name **If the Baptism did not take place at St. Katharine Drexel Parish (All Saints/St. Paul Church), please submit a copy of your child s baptismal certificate with this registration form. Thank you! Page 10