Sacrament Preparation Parent Information Packet

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 1 2014 2015 Sacrament Preparation Parent Information Packet For all 2 nd year Sacrament Preparation students Children s Ministry St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community 8000 El Dorado Parkway Frisco, TX 75033 972 712 2645 ext. 229 Fax: 972 712 1087

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 2 Welcome! This is a very crucial year for both you and your child as he/she prepares for 2 very important Sacraments that will help provide graces and strength for your child s entire life! At St. Francis, we provide the classroom instruction necessary to prepare your child for both the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. However, as parents are ultimately their child s primary educators, the lessons taught in our program rely on support and reinforcement from the parents of our Sacrament Preparation Students in order to be most effective. We encourage our parents to take advantage of the many resources we have available to you. Beginning in September 2014, a copy of our Sacramental Preparation Lesson Schedule and Objectives can be found on our website, http://www.stfoafrisco.org/faith_childrens.asp so that you may keep track of the valuable lessons your child will be learning throughout the year. Sacrament Preparation Enrollment Policy: In order to qualify for enrollment in our Second Year Sacramental Preparation program, children must first complete one full year of 1 st grade or higher in the 2013 2014 Faith Formation year. One full year is defined as no more than 3 absences. Please note that enrollment in kindergarten does not satisfy the first year requirement. It is required that all 2 nd year Sacrament Preparation Students must be baptized and provide a copy of the Baptism Certificate at the time of registration. Class Attendance Policy: As the Sacraments play a central role in our Catholic faith, your child s attendance in class must be a high priority. Please mark your child s Faith Formation class dates on your calendar and ensure that your child attends each class in entirety (arriving on time and leaving no earlier than when class is dismissed by the catechist; students will be marked absent if they arrive more than 15 minutes late or leave more than 15 minutes early). Due to the nature of the lessons this year, all absences that are not due to contagious illness are required to be made up by attending a make up class the same week the absence occurred. To schedule a make up class, please contact Niki MacDougall at nmacdougall@stfoafrisco.org so that the catechists will be expecting your child at their class If your child is ill and cannot make another session, please contact the Children s Ministry Office. For absences due to illness, you must notify the CM director to receive activities and lesson objectives to review at home. This will not erase the absence, but a note will be added to your child s attendance record to indicate the reason for the absence. The only way to erase an absence is by attending a make up class. Students who incur 2 or more absences per Sacrament preparation period (September December for Reconciliation, and January April for Eucharist) will be removed from the class roster. Mass Attendance: Because our Catholic faith is meant to be lived, not just learned about, it is essential that you bring your child to Mass on a weekly basis. The instruction received in our Faith Formation Program does not replace your child s participation in Sunday Mass or Holy Days of Obligation. Rather, our Faith Formation Program revolves around the Mass and the Eucharist and sees to it that each child grows in their understanding of their Catholic Faith through a full participation in Mass and class. Weekly Mass attendance provides an excellent hands on opportunity to explain the Mass to your child as well as giving an opportunity for your child to understand and practice proper behavior during Mass. Sacramental Preparation students, as well as students who have already made their first communion, are expected to attend Sunday Mass

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 3 weekly in order to grow in understanding of their Catholic Faith. Looking for resources to explain the Mass in kid friendly terms? Check out Magnifikid s website, https://www.magnificat.net/magnifikid/index.asp for a kid friendly weekly missalette. More resources may be found on St. Francis website or by contacting the Children s Ministry Office. Requirements to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) How do you know your child is ready to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation? A checklist for parents: Get the most out of this preparation time! Checklist for parents in preparing your child for First Reconciliation: Set a good example! Children in second grade often learn best through imitation. Participate in Sunday Mass with your family on a weekly basis. Explain to your child the necessity to be in the state of grace (free from mortal sin) in order to receive the Eucharist. Explain that going to confession (reconciliation) regularly helps to strengthen our soul against mortal sin this sacrament they are preparing to receive will be a great tool for them their entire life! Talk regularly with your child about the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). It is normal for children to be nervous assure them that this is a great sacrament where they will learn to be a better person by finding ways to improve. By telling Jesus they are sorry through the priest, they are receiving graces that will strengthen them against sins they struggle with. Emphasize that no matter what, the priest can never repeat anything they say to him in confession. This is called the seal of the confessional. No matter how bad they think their sins are, God s love and mercy are greater. Help guide your child in a nightly examination of conscience. This will help prepare your child for his/her first reconciliation as well as getting them in the habit of reflecting on his/her day and finding ways to improve. Participate with your child in our Mandatory Learning Centers in November/December. As these are a parent guided session, no one else (babysitter, friend, etc) can replace you, the parent. The activities in this session are geared towards giving you, the parent, a prayerful one on one preparation time with your child. Please do not miss this great opportunity the preparation your child receives through our program and your participation helps to build their religious foundation for their entire life. Does your child: Attend Sunday Mass (or Saturday vigil Mass) on a weekly basis? Know their basic prayers (Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, Act of Contrition) and pray regularly? Participate in Faith Formation class through regular attendance?( All absences are required to be made up) Understand the difference between sin and a mistake? Understand the different degrees of sin? (i.e. mortal and venial sin) Know how to examine their conscience?

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 4 Express sorrow for their sin(s) and wish to make it better? If you answered yes to all the above questions, your child is now ready to receive Sacrament of Reconciliation in January Congratulations! If you answered no to any of the above questions, please work with your child in the areas he/she is struggling in. If you feel that your child would benefit from receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation at a later date, or if you are in need of any additional support, please contact the Children s Ministry Office. Important Dates to Remember for Reconciliation: November 30 December 4: Mandatory Parent Child Reconciliation Learning Center What is the Reconciliation Learning Center? What days and times are available? The Reconciliation Learning Center is required for all Sacrament preparation students as it is an important preparatory tool in First Reconciliation Preparation. There will be a sign in to record who attends. Missing the Reconciliation Learning Center will delay your child s reception of the Sacrament, so please mark your calendars and give this top priority. The Reconciliation Learning Center is scheduled in the Education Wing for the week of December 1 5 in place of regularly scheduled Faith Formation classes. You choose which day and time to participate completing the Reconciliation Learning Center will take about 1 1 ½ hours to complete. Please note that the times listed below are the times the learning center is open and do not reflect the duration of time you and your child will spend completing the learning center. A parent must accompany their child during the times available: Sunday, November 30, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2014 from 3:30 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2014 from 3:30 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2014 from 3:30 until 7 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 3:30 until 7 p.m. January 8 & 9: First Reconciliation Services for Sacrament Preparation Students. These Reconciliation Services are provided in the Church for all our 2 nd year Sacrament Preparation as their First Reconciliation. We will have several confessionals set up throughout the Church. Students are required to attend with their Parent/Guardian. A sign in will be provided to record who attends. If your child cannot make their scheduled first confession, please contact the Children s Ministry Office. Each child in our Sacrament Preparation must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation this is a Church requirement and cannot be changed. We anticipate this service to last 1 2 hours depending on the amount of priests available. We generally ask 10 14 priests to assist in providing this sacrament. Parents and family members are invited to take advantage of the sacrament of confession once all the children have received this sacrament. The following classes are assigned to a specific date (below). Please be prompt in your arrival so as not to miss any information: All Sunday and Monday classes: January 8, 2015 at 7:00p.m. All Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday classes: January 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 5 Requirements for receiving First Holy Communion: The child must: Be baptized and reached the age of reason (7 years old or older) Attend Sunday Mass (either Saturday evening vigil or Sunday morning or evening) on a weekly basis Be in the 2 nd year of Sacrament Preparation (have completed one full year of 1 st grade or higher in the 2013 2014 Faith Formation year) Attend class faithfully (all absences are required to be made up so that students will not have gaps in learning.) Students who do not meet this attendance requirement will be removed from the class roster, so please mark your child s class dates on your calendar accordingly. Please refer to the attendance policy above for full policy Participate in the Eucharist Learning Centers during the week of March 16 with their parent or guardian (Please remember these are different from the Learning Centers offered in the Fall both are required!) Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation Participate in the First Communion Practice in May with their parent or guardian Believe that the Eucharist is truly the body and blood of Christ (True Presence) and have a desire to receive Him (Must know the difference between ordinary bread and wine and the Eucharist) It is the parent s responsibility to see that the above requirements are met prior to First Communion. Should your child indicate that he/she is not ready to receive his/her First Communion, please contact the Children s Ministry office. If your child s catechist has any concerns regarding your child s readiness, you will be contacted for a meeting with the Director of Children s Ministry. Church requirements for receiving Holy Communion (for all Catholics): Fast from all food and beverages (except medicine and water) for one hour prior to receiving the Eucharist Be in the state of grace (free from all mortal sin if conscious of a mortal sin you must go to confession prior to receiving communion) Believe that the Eucharist is truly the body and blood of Christ (True Presence) and have a desire to receive Him FIRST EUCHARIST LEARNING CENTERS: March 15 19, 2015 The First Communion Learning Center is required for all Sacrament preparation students as it is an important preparatory tool in First Communion Preparation. There will be a sign in to record who attends. Please note that the First Communion (Eucharist) Learning Centers offer different information than the Reconciliation Learning Centers, so attendance at both learning centers is required. Missing the First Communion Learning Center will delay your child s reception of the Sacrament, so please mark your calendars and give this top priority. The First Communion Learning Center is scheduled in the Education Wing for the week of March 16 20 in place of regularly scheduled Faith Formation classes. You choose which day and time to participate completing the Eucharist Learning Center will take about 1 1 ½ hours to complete. Please note that the times listed below are the times the learning center is open and do not reflect the duration of time you and your child will spend completing the learning center. A parent must accompany their child during the times available:

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 6 Sunday, March 15, 2015 open from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2015 open from 3:30 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2015 open from 3:30 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2015 open from 3:30 until 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2015 open from 3:30 until 7 p.m. First Communion Assignments: Your child will be assigned a First Communion Date based on the day and time of their assigned class. First Communion Assignments will go out in November 2014. Please be on the lookout for their assigned date from your child s catechist in November. Due to the large number of first communicants, requests to change your Mass times are strongly discouraged. However, if you have a significant reason for a Mass change requests to change dates or times must be made, in writing, no later than March 6, 2015. In requesting a Mass time change, you must include the reason for the switch. No switches will be permitted after March 6 due to liturgy planning and preparation. All Mass change requests are subject to the approval of the Children s Ministry Director as well as to the limited space available. First Communion Photographs: Professional photographers will be taking pictures of the children as a class and as they receive their First Communion in May. Photo ordering will be available on line. After the Children s Ministry Office receives the photo ordering information, it will be emailed to the parents from the Children s Ministry Office approximately 2 weeks after your child s First Communion in May. ****IMPORTANT! If you did not give permission for your child to be photographed on our registration form in the beginning of the year, your child will NOT be able to participate in the class or individual picture unless you inform us, in writing, with your permission to do so. On the day of your child s First Communion Mass, each class will be assembled prior to Mass for a group picture. Please arrive one hour before the scheduled start of Mass. As there are several classes that need to be photographed in a short time period, it is imperative that all students arrive in their designated classroom on time. Photographs and videotaping will not be permitted during Mass. We thank you for your assistance in maintaining the dignity of the Sacrament. First Communion Practice: Parents must attend the practice for First Holy Communion along with their child. It is essential that you and your child attend the practice so that your child will know what to do. When you arrive at St. Francis for the practice, please drop your child off at his/her assigned classroom in the Education Wing. Please note that not all 2 nd grade classes will meet in the same classroom where they attended their Faith Formation class. After you drop your child off with their catechists in the assigned classroom, please take a seat in the Church. Each practice will last approximately 1 hour, depending on the size of the first communion class. If your child was assigned as a gift bearer or reader, be prepared to stay 15 minutes longer so that your child can have additional

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 7 practice time. Your child will receive his/her scheduled Practice and First Communion Mass date in their assigned class in November. The First Communion Mass: Please bring your child to their assigned classroom (the same classroom you dropped him/her off for the practice) one hour before your child s scheduled First Holy Communion Mass time. Please make sure to arrive one hour prior to the scheduled Mass time, to ensure that your child will be present for the group photo before Mass. All First Communicants will sit with their class. Parents and other family members are invited to sit behind the pews that are reserved for class seating. We ask that you not save seats, as seating is limited. First Communicants may receive the Host in the hand or on the tongue. Children who wish to receive the Precious Blood may do so. Please discuss with your child how they would like to receive the Host and if they wish to receive the Precious Blood. It is not necessary for 1 st Communicants to receive both the Body and Blood of Christ at First Communion. If your child chooses to receive the Precious Blood of Christ, it will taste like wine and not grape juice! Many students are not prepared for the taste of the Precious Blood of Christ since we cannot practice this in class. If you wish for your child to receive the Eucharist under both species, please prepare your child for this at home. Intinction, or dipping the Host into the Precious Blood by the communicant, is not permitted. After Mass: Children will return to the classroom they originally met in after Mass. Please pick up your child and the First Holy Communion Certificate in the appropriate classroom. First Communion Dress Code: Girls First Holy Communion clothing Dress must cover the shoulders and have a modest neckline no spaghetti straps Dress must be at or below the knee Traditionally, First Communion dresses are white. However, white is not required. Veil optional Dress shoes NO GLOVES OR PURSE ARE PERMITTED. Gloves and purses must be left with the parents during Mass. Boys First Holy Communion clothing Dress slacks no jeans Dress shirt Coat and tie are optional Dress shoes tennis shoes are not recommended It is suggested that you shop for the clothing before Easter, as there is a greater selection at that time. In the past, most major department stores have had dresses, veils and bows in stock. No religious articles may be carried by the children during the Mass. Parents should keep in their

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 8 possession any prayer books, Missals, rosaries, etc. Rosaries are not permitted to be worn around the neck. After Mass, Father will bless all the gifts received by the First Communicants as a group. Veils and other religious articles are also available at the local Catholic Store: Two Hearts Catholic Books & Gifts (located behind Paradise Café): 8232 Preston Road, Suite 120, Plano, TX (972) 377 4327 Catalogs from Ziegler will be made available to our families. Please place your order directly with Ziegler if you choose to use their catalog. St. Francis Children s Ministry Staff: Niki MacDougall, Director of Children s Ministry, (972) 712 2645, ext 229; nmacdougall@stfoafrisco.org

2014-2015 Sacrament Preparation Packet 9 Sacrament Preparation Parent Packet Acknowledgement Form Please carefully read and initial each point below. Sign this page, remove from packet and return with your child s 2014 15 FF Registration I acknowledge receipt of the 2014 2015 St. Francis of Assisi Sacrament Preparation Parent Information Packet. I understand that I am accountable for reading and understanding the information contained in this packet. I understand that I am responsible for ensuring that my child meets all requirements for receiving both First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. I understand the importance of setting a good example for my child and reinforcing at home the lessons taught at St. Francis as he/she prepares for these very important Sacraments. I understand that my child must be baptized and have made his/her First Reconciliation prior to their First Communion in May 2015 I understand that my child must faithfully attend his/her scheduled Faith Formation classes. I understand that due to the content of this very important year, all absences must be made up regardless of reason for absence. I understand that if these attendance policies are not met my child will be removed from the Sacrament program. I understand that my child must attend weekly Sunday Mass in preparation for these very important Sacraments. I understand that Sunday Faith Formation Classes do not take the place of Sunday Mass. I understand that the Learning Centers are mandatory and an important part of Sacrament Preparation. I understand that missing the learning centers will delay my child s reception of his/her sacraments until all requirements are met. I understand that this may mean my child will have to wait to enroll in next year s Sacrament Preparation class. I understand that I will sign in my child for the Learning Centers only if I intend on completing the Learning Centers. I understand that both the Reconciliation Learning Center (in November/December) and First Communion (Eucharist) Learning Center (in March) are required since my child is preparing for both Reconciliation and Eucharist this year. I understand that the First Communion Practice is mandatory for both parents and children. I understand that if I requested that no photos be taken of my child on the Faith Formation Registration form, my child will not be able to participate in any First Communion Photo opportunities (class photo and individual) I understand that if I wish to change my child s First Communion Mass to a different time than his/her assigned class I must contact Niki MacDougall, Director of Children s Ministry at nmacdougall@stfoafrisco.org and make a request, in writing, no later than March 6, 2015. I understand that changes will not be allowed after March 6. I understand that changing Masses is a privilege granted by the Children s Ministry Office and may not be granted due to space constraints. Student Name: Parent Name: Parent Signature: Date: