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

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,

GREAT RESOURCE FOR KIDS!

One of our great parents, MK  Medei, was at one of the   First Communion meetings last week, and reminded me of a great resource to help children appreciate and participate in Mass.  

MagnifiKid! is the children's version of the excellent publication for adults, Magnificat.  Both periodicals arrive at your home monthly and provide a wealth of age-appropriate resources for understanding the weekly readings, the seasons of the Church year, and other things we should know about our faith.  Mrs. Medai was kind enough to forward the web site address. 

www.magnifikid.com


The cost is $34.90 for a year subscription, and you can save money with a three-year subscription. 

Magnifikid is available in both English and French.  Magnificat is available in English, French and Spanish.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION - Parent Meetings on Eucharist

Your children are now beginning their preparation to receive their first Holy Communion! It is such an exciting time of year.

PARENT MEETINGS ON EUCHARIST: I know there are a lot of questions floating around, and concerns, so once again I will be holding a number of meetings where I’ll be available to speak with you in small groups. There are several sessions on the Sacrament of Eucharist scheduled for the next couple of weeks. At these sessions I will be discussing the children’s preparation for first communion and all the options for your child’s reception of first communion. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Sunday, March 7, 8:30 a.m. ( in Room 126 in the Middle School Wing of the School)
• Sunday, March 7, 10:30 a.m ( in Room 126 in the Middle School Wing of the School)
• Sunday, March 7, 5:00 p.m. ( in Room 126 in the Middle School Wing of the School) 
• Monday, March 8, 4:30 p.m. ( in Room 126 in the Middle School Wing of the School)
• Wednesday, March 10, 2 p.m. (in the Reconciliation Room in the church)
• Thursday, March 11, 12 noon, (in the Reconciliation Room in the church.)

We highly recommend that at least one parent of each child who will be making his/her first communion attend one of these sessions. In families where one parent is not Catholic, we have found it more helpful for the Catholic parent to attend the meeting.

Each session will last approximately an hour. Please e-mail akitching@stachurch.net or call ahead (332-0064) to let me know you are coming. If you don’t attend one of the meetings, we will be sending a copy of the family handbook home with your child. Please call us if you don’t receive it by mid-March

If none of these sessions fit your schedule, or if you have particular concerns, I’m always happy to talk with you at your convenience in person or on the phone. Just let me know.

BAPTISM INFORMATION: So that your child’s first communion is properly recorded, we ask that you would return the blue information sheet regarding your child’s baptism. If your child was not baptized at St. Thomas Aquinas or St. John Church we will need a photocopy of your child’s baptismal certificate in addition to the completed information form. It is required that we have proof of baptism before a child can make first communion. [NOTE: If you do not receive a blue form, you can call and I will take the information over the phone]

NOTE TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN BAPTIZED AT SJ OR STA: 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.

CONGRATULATIONS

We were so pleased to see nearly all of our Sacarmental Prepration students at one of the two Celebrations of God's Forgiveness last week - despite the horrible weather!  Thanks to you wonderful parents who went out in the cold and snow to get your children to church!  Thanks also to Fr. Mark and Fr. Joe and all the loving priests who so kindly gave up their evenings to hearing our children's first confessions.

I was also really touched to see nearly every one of our catechists and school teachers present - at one or the other of our services.  What a beautiful display of support!

The best thing parents can now do is not wait too long before taking your child to confession again!  Lent is, of course, a very appropriate time to receive the Sacrament.  I think you will find, as I have, that taking your children to confession frequently truly helps them think more deeply about how they are acting.  This is a terrific parenting assist - take advantage of it!  Furthermore, if children go to confession frequently they get over the feeling of strangeness and discomfort (worrying more about how to celebrate the rite than the substance of it). 

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE FOR CHILDREN

I have been trying to impress on children that doing a good Examination of Conscience is essential  for a good confession.

In class we talk about having a dirty face.  It won't do to try and rub here and there and hope you get the dirty spots off.  No - it is important to take a good look at your face so you can see clearly what needs to be washed.  In class we have a little image of a mirror - that mirror, we tell the children, is like the Holy Spirit.  Like a regular mirror would help you find the dirty smudges on your face, the Holy Spirit can help you find the dirty splotches on your soul.  That's why every Examination of Conscience is done with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Just as children are probably not that capable of washing their face or giving themselves a thorough shampoo at this age, neither are they able to do a good Examination of Conscience without help.  One help is a good set of questions, but the best help is a mom or dad or other adult who will lead the child in praying to the Holy Spirit, and then guide them in a systematic way through a thorough Examination of Conscience.

Here is a good one which I discovered on the internet.  A simpler one is available in the children's purple booklets, and a third is found in the parent handbook.  I am sure that many more excellent versions can be found on-line.

CELEBRATION OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS

THIS WEEK!
Tuesday, February 9
6:30 p.m. in the main church at STA

Wednesday, February 10  
6:30 p.m. in the church at SJ

These two identical services are for all children in the Sacramental Preparation Program and their families. This is a sacramental penance service that will mark the conclusion of the children’s study of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The short service, which will include Scripture, a brief Examination of Conscience and the Act of Contrition, will conclude with individual confessions for both children and their parents. Several priests will be available each night.

• At each service it will be possible to go to confession behind a screen or face to face.
• At each site, one priest will be hearing confessions apart from, but in sight of participants; this may benefit children who wish to stay in sight of their parents.
• Parents have asked if they may accompany their child into the confessional. If parents wish, they may take their child into the confessional and introduce him/her to the priest; however confessions themselves, to be valid, must be private.

We make this a very age-appropriate experience for the children. The service itself will last only ten or fifteen minutes. After each child’s confession is concluded, and penances have been done (if appropriate), children may light a vigil light at the foot of the Pascal candle, and the family may go home.

The theme of the celebration is “Child of the Light”. We want the children to realize that they were created to reflect the Light of Christ.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION - Preparation for Penance is Almost Complete

Dear Parents,

Your child’s study of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is almost complete. Over the next week catechists and teachers will be reviewing the basic concepts and the related vocabulary in class as well as helping the children become more familiar with the way the sacrament is celebrated. Among other things, this is done through role-plays and visits to the reconciliation rooms and confessionals.

In two weeks the Celebration of God’s Forgiveness will mark the conclusion of our formal study of this sacrament. The Celebration of God’s Forgiveness is a sacramental penance service. After a fairly short “liturgy of the word” including readings, homily and some symbolic action, everyone present will be invited to make individual confessions.

If you believe your child is not ready to receive the sacrament, you should still plan on attending the celebration. There will be a natural break following the first part of the service so that those going to confession may go to the reconciliation room and those who are not staying may go home.

The best way to cap and complete the children’s study of this sacrament is for them to actually celebrate it. Some parents wish to delay the first confession until the week before first communion, but we have found that delay results in confusion, as in the classroom we begin to discuss a new sacrament. Of course we do suggest that children go to confession at least once again prior to first communion.

To accommodate as many families’ schedules as possible we have planned two different (but identical) celebrations – Tuesday, February 9 and Wednesday, February 10, both beginning at 6:30 p.m. The service on February 9 will be held in the Chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas. The service on February 10 will be held in the church at St. John. Unfortunately, it turns out that one session of STA School conferences are scheduled for the evening of Feb. 10. Parents who wish to attend the service at St. John will want to be sure to take this into account when scheduling conferences.

By now your child should be pretty close to having all the necessary prayers memorized (the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and Act of Contrition) and he or she should be able to make the Sign of the Cross. Occasionally parents ask why these prayers should be memorized. As a practical matter, the priests often give prayers as a penance, but we also feel that these prayers are a vital part of our Catholic tradition and should be passed on.

I hope that you and your child have been discussing the important concepts related to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Your child should be able to talk about sin, forgiveness, sorrow (being “sorry” or regretting what they did), and confession. They should understand that they must prepare to go to confession by praying to the Holy Spirit and making an examination of conscience, (or “looking into their heart“). By now the children should have learned what a penance is and have begun to become more familiar with the Rite of Reconciliation, itself. Adult vocabulary is not always as essential here as an understanding of the concepts that will make this sacrament meaningful, although some “adult” words (penance, absolve, mercy, Act of Contrition, etc.) are used in the Rite so it is important that the children understand them.

The children have visited the reconciliation rooms with their classes, but another visit with you will be beneficial. Don’t hesitate to allow your child to (in a respectful way) “try out” the priests’ chair and the kneelers in the confessionals. Talk about the lights above the doors, what they are for and how they are used. Discuss the need for silence in the reconciliation chapel while waiting for confession. Draw your child’s attention to the presence of the purple booklets and the laminated sheets for adults that are available.

One of the best ways you can help your child prepare for this sacrament is to let your child see that you value it yourself. While it may be “boring” for a child to wait for you in church while you go to confession, letting your child do this at least once will help him understand that this is not just a sacrament for children.

In Christ,


Annie Kitching

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION - Parent Meetings on Penance

I will be offering several meetings for parents about preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the next week and a half. You are cordially invited to attend one of the sessions, particularly if you have not had a child go through the St. Thomas Aquinas Sacramental Preparation program in the past.

Sessions will be offered at the following times:
Friday, Dec. 11 – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Reconciliation Chapel)
Sunday, Dec. 13 – 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (School Library)
Sunday, Dec. 13 – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. (School Library)
Sunday, Dec. 13 – 5 – 6 p.m. . (School Library)
Monday, Dec. 14 - 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. (Reconciliation Chapel)
Tuesday, Dec. 15 – 7 – 8 p.m. (Reconciliation Chapel)
Wednesday, Dec. 16 – noon - 1:00 p.m. (Reconciliation Chapel)

The Reconciliation Chapel is in the northwest corner of the church building. The school library is in the middle of the center wing of the school. Since space is limited for each session, please call ahead to reserve a space (332-0064).

We have three primary goals: The first is to give you an overview of our program of preparation and familiarize you with some of the materials we use. The second is to provide you with some new ways to think about this sacrament. Finally, we hope to offer encouragement and support as you lead your child through this important year of faith formation.

At the meeting your will receive a copy of this year's Family Handbook on Reconciliation. The Handbook offers practical information as well as some helpful material about the Sacrament, itself.

Occasionally parents have a lot of questions about the sacrament or feel that their lack of appreciation for it will interfere with their ability to teach their children. If this is the case we encourage you to call our office. One of our priests or I are more than willing to see you individually to answer your concerns.

Please call 332-0064 or e-mail akitching@stachurch.net or respond on this blog if you have any questions!

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION EVENT COMING UP!

PRESENTATION OF PENANCE CANDIDATES

This Sunday we will formally welcome the children who are preparing to make their first confession this year.

This includes all of our second graders and any older children preparing to receive their first communion in the spring.  Canon Law requires that children have the opportunity to receive Sacramental Reconciliation prior to Communion...and of course, if they are not prepared, this is not a possibility. 

These lessons  also lay a solid background for their preparation for reception of Eucharist.

Children should come with their parents to either the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas or the 10 a.m. Mass at St. John.  Try to either sit where you ordinarily do, or close to the front (so children can easily return to you.)  The children will be called forward for a few questions and as special blessing...this will either take place following the homily or at the conclusion of the Mass, as the celebrant prefers. 

You parents, and godparents (if present) will be asked to stand, as well, and commit to continued efforts at catechesis.  

This little event helps children realize that what they are doing matters not just to them and their families, but to the whole parish!  And prayers never hurt!

We look forward to seeing you there!

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION EVENT COMING UP!

Baptismal Celebration
Sunday, November 1
12:15 p.m.
St. Thomas Aquinas Church

Our Baptismal Celebration – or “Explanation Baptism” is for all children in the Sacramental Preparation Program and their families. It will be held on Sunday, November 1 beginning at 12:15 with Deacon Kasprzak presiding.

As the Rite of Baptism is celebrated our children will have the opportunity to participate in special ways as we welcome new Christians into our parish family and God’s family. Deacon Kasprzak and Annie Kitching will offer explanations of some of the aspects of the rite as we go along.

This celebration is a supplement to the children’s study of baptism. Understanding baptism and our membership in God’s family is an important foundation for preparation for Reconciliation and Eucharist. Attendance at this celebration is not required, but it is certainly a very worthwhile addition to your child’s religion curriculum.