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.

If it is your child’s wish to make their First Communion and First Reconciliation, a parent or legal guardian must obtain a First Communion Registration Form from the parish office during business hours (8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Friday), or from the bulletin table before or after the Sunday Masses. We will require proof of Baptism (if baptized at another church other than St. John Bosco – please bring a copy of the child's baptismal certificate), and $20.00 for materials and a photo.

Registration forms should be completed and returned to the parish by November 1, 2009.

Thursday, November 26, 2009 (3:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.) - Parent Meeting
Parents, legal guardians or designated persons of candidates wishing to make their First Communion and First Reconciliation are expected to attend this one-hour First Communion Parent Meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity for parents to reflect and refresh their beliefs about these Sacraments, and to receive handouts and materials to help prepare themselves and their child for these Sacraments. Any questions and concerns can also be brought forward at this time.

Late registrants or those who miss this meeting must contact Father Timothy Harrison after Mass at St. John Bosco Parish to book an appointment to register and review the information provided at the parent meeting.

Saturday or Sunday, February 6 or 7, 2010 - Enrolment Ceremonies
Candidates will present a decorated 3”x5” name card to Father Tim 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; a reminder will be sent out in advance.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. - First Reconciliation
Candidates will have their own special First Reconciliation celebration. More information will follow regarding the celebration, preparation and participation of children and families.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 (9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.) - All Day Retreat
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.

Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. - Solemn First Communion Ceremony

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 Frances Jonker, Pastoral Assistant at St. John Bosco Parish, by email or at (613) 342-5095.