OBJECTIVES AND HOMEWORK - April 25-26

SAC PREP ONE— Church

• Children will understand that we are all members of the Church.
• They will see the parallels between being a member of the Church and being a member of a family
• Children will become familiar with St. Martin de Tours
• Children will know that our Pope is Benedict XVI
• Children will see photographs of our Pope and Bishop
• Children will know that we become members of the Church at baptism.

HOMEWORK: Begin work on the “Give Glory to God all the time” sheet. They may keep this to work
on over the summer. If children did not do Quiz 22 in class, it may be homework.

SAC PREP TWO - Jesus Is Always Present

• Students will enjoy the bread that they made at the retreat.
• The children will have a final practice in the church.

HOMEWORK: Complete the review worksheet with your parents.

GRADE THREE - Reverence at Mass - Consecration

• Children will appreciate that the prayers of the Mass are based on ancient traditions preserved for us in Scripture.
• Children will get practice following the Mass in the Ritual Song books
• Children will get practice looking up Scripture passages.
• Children will hear a story about the mystery of the Mass and have an opportunity to illustrate it
• Time permitting, children will review some things learned this year.

HOMEWORK: None this week.

GRADE FOUR - People of God

• Students will use a timeline to review the stories we have covered this year
• Students will compare the Israelites to us “new Israelites”
• Students will explore various Scriptures that help us consider the way the Holy Spirit makes us into one Church.

HOMEWORK: Do “The Holy Spirit” worksheet with your parents or someone at home.

GRADE FIVE - Works of Mercy

• Students will explore ways in which we can show love for others.
• Students will become familiar with the Works of Mercy
• Students will have an opportunity to pray together

HOMEWORK: Rread the story of Martin de Porres on page 173. At the bottom of the page mark the
Works of Mercy that Martin performed, using the letters on page 171.

GRADE SIX - Manna in the Desert

• Students will read become familiar with the way God cared for His people in the desert.
• Students will make the association between Manna and Eucharist
• Students will become acquainted with the covenant between God and the Israelites

HOMEWORK - Do page 81 (bottom) and page 83 in the text.

GRADE SEVEN - Sacraments

• Students will be able to give a definition of Sacrament.
• Students will explore the three qualities of a Sacrament by looking at the Sacrament of Baptism
• Students will be challenged to develop a visual image for Sacrament

HOMEWORK: Look up at least one Scripture passage relating to the Institution of each Sacrament (as found on the worksheet). Write it down.

GRADE EIGHT - Fruits of the Spirit

• The awaken students to the richness of the gifts they will receive at Confirmation.
• To help students reflect on the nature of the Fruits of the Spirit.

HOMEWORK: Do the “Self-Analysis” sheet if not done in class.

FIRST COMMUNION - DETAILS

SOLEMN FIRST COMMUNION MORNING

On the morning of May 1, please make sure your child is in his or her assigned classroom by 9:30 a.m. Classroom assignments are same as for the retreat, as follows:

Mr. Liberato (8:30 a.m.) – Room 104
Dan and Joe (10:30 a.m.) – Room 104
Ms. Palaka and Ms. Raina (10:30 a.m.) – Room 100
Ms. DeLuca and Ms. Leppek (10:30 a.m.) – Room 100
Mrs. Ravizza (5 p.m.) – Room 101
Mrs. Lewis (5 p.m.) – Room 101
Mrs. Paget and Mrs. Jong (Monday) – Room 105
Mrs. Brantley (Monday) – Room 105

We ask parents not to remain in the classrooms. It is much easier to keep the children calm and get them organized without parents in the room. Teachers will make certain that veils are secured and ties are straight.

PHOTOGRAPHS – Please DO NOT take photographs until Mass is concluded. Sometimes so many people stand outside to take photographs before Mass that the children process into a half-empty church. Furthermore, the photographers’ late entrance into their seats annoys others. A number of people have asked me to emphasize – Please, No Photographs! Also, please refrain from taking photographs during Mass. When people move around in order to take videos or photographs, or cameras flash, it is not only distracting, it takes away from the solemnity of the occasion. Enjoy the liturgy! Then after Mass, take as many photographs as you wish.

LOVING KINDNESS - We will have many guests and out of town visitors at the first communion Mass; so let’s be sure to be gracious hosts. Please do not reserve seats in the church. If it important to you to have seats near the front, make sure your entire party arrives early. When people are turned away from seats in church, it is hurtful.

RECEIVING COMMUNION - Your child has had the opportunity to practice receiving communion with unconsecrated hosts. Children will also have the option of receiving from the cup. We have practiced this at the retreat, using water, but if your child plans on receiving from the cup, please give your child a taste of wine so that they are not surprised into making a face (or worse).


FOLLOWING MASS - The children will remain in their pews. You meet them there. Photographs will be taken in the Chapel directly following Mass.

SEATING – Fr. Mark and Fr. Mike will be distributing communion to the first communicants. For this special occasion, the priests will be standing on the carpeted area just beneath the altar at the foot of the three steps. The priests will be facing slightly outward so that parents and guests can have a better view of the children as they receive. You will have a better view if you sit on the opposite side of the church from your child. You can ask your child or his/her teacher where their class will be sitting.

VEILS and SHOES - Every year there are several girls who have a terrible time keeping their veils on. Here is a little hint I learned from years of theater experience: Veils are best kept on by means of a small comb placed in the front, center of the veil. (You may need to sew it there yourself; for some reason manufacturers often put two combs, one on either side, where they are almost useless.) Figure out where you want the comb to be on the girl’s head. On this spot roll up a small section of the hair close to the head and pin with two crossed bobby pins (as you would do for a pin curl). Hook the comb under this pin curl and the veil will stay securely in place.

Our beautiful terrazzo floors are polished to a gleam for this special celebration, but we have found this to be a bad combination with the slick and shiny soles often found on dress shoes. It is a good idea to either let your child wear his or her first communion shoes a time or two prior to the big event, or to scuff the soles up a bit ahead of time. This can be done with coarse sandpaper or by scraping them against a rough sidewalk or pavement. Another effective “fix” can be obtained by putting a strip of tape – duct tape, electrical or masking tape – on the soles.

PARTICIPATION IN THE LITURGY

All older brothers and sisters of first communicants who are presently altar servers are invited to serve at the Solemn First Communion Mass on May 1. Please call me and let me know if you have a child who would like to participate in this way. We need more!

We also still need some Eucharistic Ministers for this Mass. If you have been trained in this ministry, please call if you would like to help.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION - Coming up Soon!

This post is intended to answer some of those practical questions about first communion that often arise this time of year. While I am doing my best in this letter to answer the most common questions, I am always happy to speak with you individually – feel free to call (332-0064) or e-mail if you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed here! (akitching@elcatholics.org)


TIMES AND PLACES

Our First Solemn Communion Mass will be held Saturday morning, May 1, beginning at 10 a.m. at the STA church. The children will need to be in the same classrooms where they meet for the retreat by 9:30 a.m. that morning.

The Mass is planned with the children in mind and lasts just over an hour. Following Mass, photographs are taken in the Chapel. While the line appears long, it moves very quickly and the photographs are generally completed by 11:45. (The photographer and all her equipment are long gone by noon!) for this reason we caution families not to leave the church. Children have missed having their picture taken in this way.

Parents desiring an individual first communion for their child in place of (or in addition to) the Solemn First Communion celebration should give me a call. I can help you arrange either a simple or a personalized celebration at any regularly scheduled Sunday or weekday Mass. PLEASE LET US KNOW IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE AT THE SOLEMN FIRST COMMUNION MASS ON MAY 1.


DRESS
Usually most boys wear a jacket, vest or sweater. Some come in a shirt and tie. Feel free to make your own decision on this. Girls usually wear a veil – or an elaborate hair decoration such as flowers or ribbons. Please remember that girls are not to wear gloves or carry purses. (If received as gifts, these can always be used for events afterwards.)

We have a good selection of suits, jackets and lovely white dresses in our office that may be borrowed. Please feel free to take advantage of this.

Children from other countries are encouraged to wear their native dress for the celebration; this makes our procession even more beautiful and helps to celebrate the wonderful diversity in our parish! Of course this clothing does not need to be white.


REHEARSAL

As discussed at the parent meetings, children will practice receiving the host on the tongue and in the hand. We do not encourage one way or the other of receiving, but simply make sure the children are clear about their decision so there will be no errors. 

This year the Precious Blood will also be offered at the Solemn First Communion Mass, however, just as at any Mass, it is up to each communicant to decide to receive it or not. Children will receive the host where everyone can see, in the sanctuary, and will have the opportunity to receive the Precious Blood down closer to the pews as they leave the sanctuary. We will practice with the children how to receive from the cup, but we will not give them wine. We strongly recommend that if you expect the child to receive from the cup that you practice at home – or at least give them a taste of wine. Otherwise, it is likely they may make a face, or worse.

PEOPLE

If you have a priest or deacon in your family who would like to join in our celebration he is more than welcome to do so. Please call and let us know, however, so we can make appropriate plans.

All older brothers and sisters of first communicants who are trained servers are welcome to participate in our Mass in that role. We will need parents or older siblings to serve as Eucharistic Ministers. I am looking for parents who might be interested in serving as greeters and ushers. Please call 332-0064 to volunteer.

I hope this is somewhat helpful! Feel free to call with questions!


P.S. Please get your “intention” forms for photographs and order forms for videos/DVDs in to us as soon as possible!

FIRST COMMUNION RETREAT - THIS COMING SATURDAY!

OUR RETREAT AFTERNOON WILL BE NEXT SATURDAY, APRIL 24!

It will last from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Please bring your child to the following classroom a little before 1:00 p.m. to meet his/her catechist:

Mr. Liberato (8:30 a.m.) – Room 104
Dan and Joe (10:30 a.m.) – Room 104
Ms. Palaka and Ms. Raina (10:30 a.m.) – Room 100
Ms. DeLuca and Ms. Leppek (10:30 a.m.) – Room 100
Mrs. Ravizza (5 p.m.) – Room 101
Mrs. Lewis (5 p.m.) – Room 101
Mrs. Paget (Monday) – Room 105
Mrs. Brantley and Mrs. Jong (Monday) – Room 105

These are not necessarily the children’s usual classrooms, but these are the classrooms where the children will gather on first communion day. Most of our catechists will be present to lead their class on this adventure. Throughout the afternoon the children will rotate through five different activities:


SONG PRACTICE – The children will meet with music ministers and enjoy practicing the music that will be sung at our Solemn First Communion Mass.


BREAD-MAKING - Beginning with grinding the grains into flour, the children will make bread that will be served at a special celebration in class the following week.


GAMES AND SNACK - Children need physical activity, so we've developed some active games that will not only be fun - they will help teach some important concepts about the Mass, as well. A healthy snack will be provided.


FIRST COMMUNION PROJECT – Students will doing a craft and make a keepsake of their first Communion.


REHEARSAL - We’re taking this opportunity to practice receiving Communion with Fr. Mike in the church.

Children should be picked up in the classrooms at 3:30 p.m.. As you can imagine, we'll need volunteers to help make everything go smoothly. Please call right away if you might be able to help! 332-0064

ACTS Prayer

My technology wouldn't let me reproduce our holy card completely - you are missing the picture of Jesus, among other things, but we provided cards with this little message to all of our fourth graders this week. 

Their topic is prayer.  This little ACTS pattern is one of a number of similar "tricks" that can help us "round out" our prayer.  Oh, how easy it is to complain to God like whiny children, or do nothing but ask for things!   As parents we know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of that!

Seriously, God knows our hearts.  It is to our benefit, not His that we communicate with Him more deeply and richly, and though this little trick is simple it is a step in the right direction.  Give it a try this week! 

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR EIGHTH GRADERS

Due to the Confirmation Rehearsal on Sunday, EIGHTH GRADERS will not have Religious Education classes next week. Of course classes will be held for all other grades.

We will see the newly Confirmed 8th Graders for class on April 25-26 and May 2-3.

OBJECTIVES AND HOMEWORK - April 11-12

SAC PREP ONE— Easter

• Children will become familiar with the Easter story
• Children will understand the word “Resurrection”
• Children will hear the story of doubting Thomas

HOMEWORK: Complete page 118 in the text, if not completed in class and do page 116.

SAC PREP TWO - Communion

• The children will understand that as we receive Communion it will help us to grow to be more like Jesus.
• Children will learn a pattern for prayer after Communion.
• Children will have their first practice for the first communion Mass in the church.

HOMEWORK: Parents should do the worksheet with their children.

GRADE THREE - Receiving Jesus Reverently

• Children will review three ways in which we can give loving-sacrifice to Jesus: True Love (keeping our souls free from sin), Prayer, Hard Things (doing good but difficult things out of love for God)
• Children will become familiar with the names of some of the vessels and items used at Mass
• Children will practice receiving communion reverently

HOMEWORK: Ask a parent to read Chapter 24 with you. Complete the worksheet

GRADE FOUR - On the Road to God

• Students will realize that with the birth of Jesus a new part of the Bible begins.
• Students will remember that God created us, unlike other parts of His creation, able to think, and choose and love.
• Students will explore what it means to know and love God.
• Students will look at the first three commandments.
• Students will be explore the Bible to see how important obedience is.
• Children will have the opportunity to look up several verses in both Old and New Testaments.

HOMEWORK: With someone at home read and discuss Chapter 16.

GRADE FIVE - Our Purpose is to Love

• Students will understand that our purpose on earth is to love as Jesus loved.
• Students will realize that we can love God by loving others.
• Students will hear testimonies by other children about everyday ways to love and will share their own.

HOMEWORK: Do page 77 in the textbook.

GRADE SIX - Passover

• Students will be familiar with the escape from Egypt.
• Students will witness a Jewish Passover Meal
• Students will be able to relate how symbols of the Passover meal point to Christ as Messiah

HOMEWORK - Complete page 79 in the text. Refer to the textbook if you need to.

GRADE SEVEN - The Marks of the Church

• Students will know the four marks of the Church – One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic
• Students will know more about the first pope, St. Peter
• Student will recognize that “Church” is community, on many levels
• Students will become familiar with the hierarchy of the Church, and the roles of the Pope, bishops, priests, deacons and laity

HOMEWORK: Read Chapter 26 and do the “Bishops, Priests, Deacons” worksheet.

GRADE EIGHT - Prayer

• To help students appreciate the importance of personal prayer
• To introduce students to a practical prayer technique they might use in their daily life
• To encourage students to establish daily prayer rituals

HOMEWORK: Read pages 81-84 in your text and complete page 85. Worksheet.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION - Upcoming Things

Thanks to those of you whose schedules allowed you to attend one of the sessions on first Communion. If you were not able to attend we will try to get you a copy of the handbook which was provided at that meeting. Here are a few important ways you can help us prepare for your child’s first communion:


BAPTISM INFORMATION: So that your child’s first communion is properly recorded, we ask you to please return the attached information sheet regarding your child’s baptism.

If your child was not baptized at St. Thomas Aquinas or at St. John we will need a photocopy of your child’s baptismal certificate in addition to the completed information form.

If your child was baptized at St. Thomas Aquinas or St. John: When you fill out and return the information sheet regarding your child’s baptism you are helping us out a great deal! The information we request is exactly what we are required to record in the First Communion Ledger. While it is true that each child’s baptismal information is on record in the big books in the parish safe, it is a time-consuming and cumbersome procedure to extract it for so many children! Please fill this sheet out completely. We’ve noticed that some people neglect to put down their child’s age, for example. Yes, we can figure this out by looking at the dates, but doing this for so many children gets wearisome; that’s why your help is so appreciated.

SOLEMN/INDIVIDUAL FIRST COMMUNION: We are hoping that most children will be present on May 1 for the Solemn First Communion Mass even if he/she has already, or will celebrate the Sacrament in a special way individually with his or her parents and family. You cannot celebrate something so wonderful too much! Children usually develop a sense of community with their classmates and catechist and are excited about the corporate celebration, even if it is not the family’s primary celebration. In a few weeks we will begin practicing for the May 1 celebration in class, so if your child will not be present, please let me or your catechist know!

RETREAT AFTERNOON – After listening to your thoughts, it seems most convenient for the retreat to begin at 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 24. It will conclude at 3:30 p.m. More details will follow. If you can help, please let me know!

MASS OF EXPLANATION – Almost ever year we celebrate a Mass of Explanation prior to first communion. Fr. Joe generously agreed to celebrate this with us this year. Watch for further information; we will provide a date as soon as possible!

PREPARING FOR FIRST COMMUNION: Remember that the very best preparation for First Communion is going to Mass! It is always helpful for children if they can sit up close. One of the primary aspects of our preparation is familiarizing children with the parts of the Mass, and their significance, as well as helping them to recognize the people and items that they see at Mass. Conversations with you, and the opportunity to really see what we are talking about, will be very helpful.

In Christ,