Sacraments of First Communion & First Reconciliation

Religious education in the Catholic schools for the Sacraments of First Communion and First Reconciliation occurs in grade 2. Reception of the Sacraments should take place in the parish to which you belong and where you regularly attend Mass.

Registration

First Communion letters have been distributed by classroom teachers to all Grade 2 students in the Catholic system. If it is your child’s wish to make their First Communion and First Reconciliation, a parent or legal guardian must attend the parent meeting and catechetical session on Tuesday, September 27 (see below). At this first meeting, you will receive forms to register your child and more information about how we will prepare your child for the Sacraments. We will require proof of Baptism (if baptized at a church other than St. John Bosco, please bring a copy of the child's baptismal certificate), and $20.00 for materials and a group photo.

Important Dates

Three Mandatory Catechetical Sessions for Parents

  • Tuesday, September 27, 2011 (3:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, November 22, 2011 (3:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, February 7, 2012 (3:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.)

Parents, legal guardians or designated persons of candidates wishing to make their First Communion and First Confession are expected to attend the three, one-hour First Communion Parent Meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents to reflect and refresh their beliefs about these Sacraments, and to receive information to help prepare themselves and their child for these Sacraments.

Seven Mandatory Catechetical Sessions for Children

  • October 9, 2011 (Make-up session October 16)
  • November 13, 2011 (Make-up session November 20)
  • December 11, 2011 (Make-up session December 18)
  • January 29, 2012 (Make-up session February 5)
  • February 26, 2012 (Make-up session March 4)
  • May 13, 2012 (Make-up session May 20)
  • May 27, 2012 (Make-up session June 3)

All sessions start on Sunday at 8:45 a.m. and end at 9:45 a.m.

Enrolment Ceremonies

  • Saturday or Sunday, October 8 or 9, 2011 (any Mass) OR
  • Saturday or Sunday, October 15 or 16, 2011 (any Mass) OR
  • Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. Mass

Candidates will present a decorated 3"x5" name card to Father Stéphane during any one of the three Sunday Masses. These cards will be put on a banner at the front of the church. Attendance at an enrolment ceremony is compulsory.

First Reconciliation
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

Candidates will have their own special First Reconciliation celebration. More information will follow regarding the celebration, preparation and participation of children and families.

First Communion Retreat
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 (9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.)

All First Communion candidates will gather at the parish Centre for a day of spiritual reflection, getting to know one another, rehearsal and fun. More information will be sent out to candidates in the spring.

First Communion Mass
Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

Notes

Families are asked to make a special effort to regularly participate in the Sunday Eucharist.

Baptismal certificates (copies) are needed for each candidate not baptized at St. John Bosco Parish. If there are problems with the certificate or if your child is not baptized Catholic, please bring it to our attention.

Each candidate has 5 reserved seats (one for themselves and 4 for family members). Additional guests and family members are welcome to sit anywhere behind the reserved front rows. All family and friends you wish to invite are welcome and encouraged to come! Because we have such a large group, we just want to ensure that each candidate has ‘up-front’ participation. Your child will be made aware as to ‘where’ you will be seated on the day of the retreat.

Quiet please! In a full church, even whispering turns into a loud roar and it takes away from the solemnity of the ceremony and makes it difficult for all to participate and follow along. Shhh!

No photos or videos are permitted during the celebration. A group photo will be taken, and candidates will receive an 8"x10" (see photo gallery). Pictures may be taken afterwards.

For more information, contact Norma Burns, Parish Secretary at St. John Bosco Parish, by email or at (613) 342-5095.