FIRST COMMUNION

Come closer to Jesus

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the beautiful moment when Catholics receive the gift of Jesus himself in the Eucharist, when bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ. In addition, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an opportunity to confess our sins, be forgiven, and heal our relationship with God. We welcome children as they become ready to enter into the preparation process for these two sacraments.

Welcome!

Here at St. Ignatius, we’ve developed a completely new approach to sacrament preparation. Please read the following info carefully.

Overview

Imagine if every child was being prayed for by name. Imagine if each one could be known, genuinely cared for, and could discuss and explore their faith with a trusted guide. This culture of intentional accompaniment is how we encourage ongoing authentic connection and spiritual growth.

To start sacrament prep, children should already be connected to church and have a personal relationship with Jesus. As parents, your support and care are the first and most important elements in this process!

Here at church, the goals of connection and relationship with Jesus can be fostered through two programs, Catch the Wave and the Good Shepherd Atrium. Children can join one or both programs, starting as young as three years old.

You’ll receive an invitation to consider entering the specific process of sacrament prep once your child is in Grade 3 and has at least a year of involvement in one of our programs (attending approximately 20 times).

How it works

Our preparation process takes place in very small groups of approximately five children. Through personal prayer, engagement in the liturgy, lessons, and discussions, children will be supported in growing closer to Jesus in anticipation of receiving him in the Eucharist.

The groups meet weekly with an adult leader over for 10 weeks, and the children will also sit together in person every Sunday at the 10am mass.

Sessions are scheduled three times a year, typically beginning in October, February, and April.

Steps to take

1. Register as a parishioner, if you haven’t already done so, by completing this form. (And while you’re at it, why not treat yourself to Alpha? stig.ca/alpha)

2. Register your kids for our regular Sunday programs: stig.ca/kids.

3. After a year of engagement, children will be invited by the parish (via an email directly to the family) to consider joining one of the upcoming 10 week Sacramental Prep programs.

4. Look for signs of readiness in your child, particularly their interest in church, ability to focus during mass, and an openness to a deeper relationship with Jesus. This happens at different times for different kids, which is why we offer our process three times a year.

FAQ’s

My child is in Grade 3, but did not attend a church program last year. Can she still sign up?

If a child was not attending a church program last year, they should start by spending a year coming to know Jesus and connecting to the community here at St. Ignatius.

Why is attendance at church required?

It’s important that children are connected to the church — that this church is a home and a family for them — before they receive the sacraments.

In order for this to happen, the kids need to come to church regularly, so they experience it as a routine, a comfortable place where they are known, a place where they can come to know Jesus and His love.

Our “Catch the Wave” program at Sunday mass gives the kids a group experience where they can learn about Bible stories, make friends, and connect with the larger community.

Is there a cost?

A one time fee of $200 is charged for the First Communion prep program.

How do I sign up?

Parents will be sent an enrollment form after their kids have completed one year in Catch the Wave.

Whom can I contact with questions?

Contact Rebecca Malone: [email protected]

Check out this booklet for parents: