First Reconciliation
& First Communion
christ king | St. Bernard | St. Pius X
When we ponder the great mystery of the Eucharist, we find a call from Jesus, our Good Shepherd, to find and follow Him.
He offers us rest, refreshment, comfort and Love. His Love is a great gift that He offers to us and we are called to respond.
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Because of this, our process of preparation is one that helps the child to respond to the Gift that is being offered. It is a process that differs from most programs that are available to children today. The process is outlined below.
If you have any questions, please contact Samantha El-Azem, Director of Formation for Children at elazems@christkingparish.org.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are an extension of the life of faith. With this in mind, families should plan on having their child participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for at least one year prior to their Sacramental preparation year. Ideally, the child will have had some time in the Level 1 Atrium.
This will provide a good foundation for the themes the child will ponder in preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
Discernment and Enrollment of Names
In the Level 2 Atrium (6-9 year olds), the children are invited to pray about if the Good Shepherd is calling them by name to receive the gifts of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist for the first time.
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Early in the year, after a period of discernment, those children who feel called to receive the Sacraments submit their names in a special box located in the Atrium.
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Those children and their parent(s) will meet with Ms. Sam for a meeting.
Parent & Child Meditation Series
In the second half of the year, the child preparing will attend three (3) mediation sessions with a parent or special adult. These meditations lay the ground work to prepare our hearts to respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd in the gift of these Sacraments.
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This year, these meditation sessions will take place on Sunday, January 14th, February 18th, & April 7th, 2024 11:45AM-1:30PM.
First Communion Retreat
After the meditation sessions, the child and at least one parent will attend the First Communion retreat from April 25th-27th--Thursday evening, Friday evening, and Saturday.
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On Friday evening, the child will celebrate their First Reconciliation as part of the retreat.
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This is a powerful part of the Sacramental preparation process in that it really connects the healing power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with preparation for the greatest gift that Jesus desires to give us.
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The children see this is as a special highlight of their time in the Atrium.
Celebration of First Communion
Following the retreat, the child is invited to receive the gift of the Eucharist for the first time at one of the following First Communion Masses. Children typically celebrate with their parish community.
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St. Bernard: May 5th, 2024; 10:30AM
Christ King: May 11th & 12th, 2024; All Masses
St. Pius X: May 19th, 2024; 10:30AM