Parent Preparation Handbook

First Reconciliation and First Communion 2017-2018

St. Luke Church 7575 Holliday Drive E. Indianapolis IN 46260

Tel. 317-259-4373

Sister Diane Carollo, S.G.L., Director of Religious Education Tel. 317-259-4373, ext 256

dcarollo@stluke.org

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TableofContentsTheSymbolismofthePelican…………………………………………………………………3GeneralInformation………………………………………………………………………………3TheChurch’sTeachingontheSacramentofReconciliation…………………4-6TheChurch’sTeachingontheSacramentoftheEucharist……………………6-7InformationonFirstCommunionMasses……………………………………………7-8SecondGradeSacramentProgram–JesusourLife……………………………….....9MarkYourCalendars……………………………………………………………………….......10MiscellaneousQuestions/Comments………………………………………...........11-12BasicPrayers………………………………………………………………….............................13PersonalNotes……………………………………………………………………………………..14 Confession is an act of honesty and courage - an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God. Pope St. John Paul II Only through the Eucharist is it possible to live the heroic virtues of Christianity: charity, to the point of forgiving one's enemies; love for those who make us suffer; chastity in every age and situation of life; patience in suffering and when one is shocked by the silence of God in the tragedies of history or of one's own personal existence. You must always be Eucharistic souls in order to be authentic Christians. Pope St. John Paul II

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THESYMBOLISMOFTHEPELICANThemotherpelicanfeedingherbabypelicansdepictedonthefrontcoverofthishandbookisrootedinanancientlegendthatexistedbeforeChristianity.Thelegendsaysthatintimesoffamine,themotherpelicanstruckherbreastrepeatedlywithherownbeakuntilshebled.Shewouldthenfeedheryoungwithherownbloodtopreventthemfromstarving.

Inanotherversionofthelegend,themotherpelicanfedherdyingbabypelicanswithherownbloodtokeepthemalive,butshewouldloseherownlifeintheprocess.

Withthisrichsymbolism,itisnowonderthattheearlyChristiansadaptedittorepresentorsymbolizeJesusChrist,ourLord.ThepelicansymbolizesthatJesus,ourSaviorandRedeemer,gaveHislifetosaveusfromsinanddeath.ThenewlifewepossesscomesthroughHisdeathonthecrossandthepouringoutofHisPreciousBlood.

AsyouprepareyourchildforFirstPenanceandFirstCommunion,youmaywanttoteachyourchildaboutthelegendofthepelican.ItshouldserveasareminderthatJesussufferedanddiedforussothatwemaygaineternallife.Inatotallyselflessactoflove,ourLordacceptedanagonizingdeathforeachandeveryoneofus.

TheEucharist,ofcourse,isconnectedtoChrist’ssacrificeonthecross.ItisnotmerelyanimageofChrist’ssacrificeonthecross;ittrulyisChrist’ssacrifice!TheCatechismoftheCatholicChurchteachesusthatthesameChristWhoofferedHimselfonceinabloodymanneronthealtarofthecrossiscontainedandofferedinanunbloodymanneronthealtarintheMass(CatechismoftheCatholicChurch,No.1367).

I.GeneralInformation

Duringyourchild’ssecondgradeyear,heorshewillbepreparedforthesacramentsofReconciliation(Penance)andEucharist.Youwillalsobeaskedtoattendtwoorientationmeetingsonthesacramentsaswellassessionsonthetheologyofthesacraments.Seethecalendaronpage10forthemeetingdates.ThistimealsoprovidesparentswiththeopportunitytoreaffirmtheircommitmenttothepracticeoftheCatholicFaith,andtodeepentheirrelationshipwithChrist.ThisrenewedcommitmentnecessarilyinvolvesparticipationatMassandthereceptionofthesacraments.ItalsosignalsacommitmenttoupholdthePreceptsoftheChurch.Ifyou’veneverheardaboutthem,seethelistbelow.

1. ToattendMassandrestfromservilelaboronSundaysandHolyDaysofObligation.2. ToreceivetheSacramentofReconciliationatleastonceayear,especiallyifawareof

committingamortalsin.3. ToreceiveHolyCommunionatleastonceayear,betweentheFirstSundayofLent

andTrinitySunday.4. ToobservethefastdaysandabstinencedaysestablishedbytheChurch.5. TocontributetothematerialsupportoftheChurch.

4II.TheChurch’steachingsonReconciliation

A. FromtheCatechismoftheCatholicChurch

IntheparagraphsbelowfromtheCatechismoftheCatholicChurch,welearnthefollowing:1485"Ontheeveningofthatday,thefirstdayoftheweek,"Jesusshowedhimselftohisapostles."Hebreathedonthem,andsaidtothem:'ReceivetheHolySpirit.Ifyouforgivethesinsofany,theyareforgiven;ifyouretainthesinsofany,theyareretained"'(Jn20:19,22-23).

1486TheforgivenessofsinscommittedafterBaptismisconferredbyaparticularsacramentcalledthesacramentofconversion,confession,penance,orreconciliation.

1487ThesinnerwoundsGod'shonorandlove,hisownhumandignityasamancalledtobeasonofGod,andthespiritualwell-beingoftheChurch,ofwhicheachChristianoughttobealivingstone.

1488Totheeyesoffaithnoevilisgraverthansinandnothinghasworseconsequencesforsinnersthemselves,fortheChurch,andforthewholeworld.

1490ThemovementofreturntoGod,calledconversionandrepentance,entailssorrowforandabhorrenceofsinscommitted,andthefirmpurposeofsinningnomoreinthefuture.ConversiontouchesthepastandthefutureandisnourishedbyhopeinGod'smercy.

1491ThesacramentofPenanceisawholeconsistinginthreeactionsofthepenitentandthepriest'sabsolution.thepenitent'sactsarerepentance,confessionordisclosureofsinstothepriest,andtheintentiontomakereparationanddoworksofreparation.

1493OnewhodesirestoobtainreconciliationwithGodandwiththeChurch,mustconfesstoapriestalltheunconfessedgravesinsheremembersafterhavingcarefullyexaminedhisconscience.theconfessionofvenialfaults,withoutbeingnecessaryinitself,isneverthelessstronglyrecommendedbytheChurch.

1494Theconfessorproposestheperformanceofcertainactsof"satisfaction"or"penance"tobeperformedbythepenitentinordertorepairtheharmcausedbysinandtore-establishhabitsbefittingadiscipleofChrist.

1495OnlypriestswhohavereceivedthefacultyofabsolvingfromtheauthorityoftheChurchcanforgivesinsinthenameofChrist.

1496ThespiritualeffectsofthesacramentofPenanceare: -reconciliationwithGodbywhichthepenitentrecoversgrace; -reconciliationwiththeChurch; -remissionoftheeternalpunishmentincurredbymortalsins; -remission,atleastinpart,oftemporalpunishmentsresultingfromsin; -peaceandserenityofconscience,andspiritualconsolation; -anincreaseofspiritualstrengthfortheChristianbattle.

5B.Notallsinsareequal

v Whenapersongoestoconfession,allmortal(grave)sinsmustbeconfessed.Venial(lesser)sinsdonotneedtobeconfessed,butitisrecommendedtodoso.Whenonlyvenialsinsareconfessed,thepersonismakingadevotionalconfession.

C.Otherpracticalspiritualbenefitsfromgoingtoconfession

v Ithelpsustogrowinself-knowledge.St.AugustineandmanyothersaintsanddoctorsoftheChurchhavetaughtthatknowingourselvesisessentialtohavingahealthyspirituallife.Self-knowledgehelpsustoappreciateourneedforGod’songoinghelpandgraceinourlives.FrequentConfessionremindsusthatweneedtodependonGodinordertoovercometemptationsandsin.

v Ithelpsustoovercomebadhabitsandsininourlives.Thegracewereceivefromthesacramenthelpsustowinthebattleagainstbadhabitsorvices.Badhabitsareacquiredwiththerepetitionofbadactions.Badhabitsmaybebrokenmorequicklyandeffectivelywhenwegotoconfessionregularly.

v TheconscienceispurifiedTheconscience,ifwellformed,teachesuswhatisrightorwrong.Sinoftendistortstheconscienceormakesitinsensitivetothetruth.ConfessionpurifiesourconsciencesothatwecanrecognizeGod’swillinthecircumstancesofourdailylives.Confessionenlightensandpurifiesourconscience.

v IthelpsusbecomemorelikeChrist.Itimpartsgracetooursouls.GracestrengthensustobecomemoreconformedtoJesusChristinwordanddeed.EverycanonizedsaintintheChurchwenttoconfessionnotonlywiththedesiretoovercomesinandsinfultendencies,butalsotobecomemorelovingandChrist-like.Confessionisthelaunchingpadforalifeofauthenticholiness.

v Itstrengthensourwill.Godstrengthensourwillwithhisgrace.Throughconfession,wegainself-controlandgrowinourdesireandcommitmenttoresistthetemptationsthatcrossourpathinlife.WebecomemoredeterminedtodoGod’swillandnotourown.Self-will,self-absorptionandself-seekingaretheroadmaptosinthatleadsusawayfromtheWillofGod.III.CelebrationoftheSacramentofReconciliation

v FirstConfessionsforthesecondgradeisonSaturday,December16,at11:00a.m.inthechurch.Arrival:Pleasearrivenolaterthan10:40a.m.andbeseatedinchurchby10:50a.m.AbriefPenanceServicewillbeconductedbeforethechildrengotoconfession.

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v Pleasenotethattheteachersandcatechistswillassistthechildrenastheygotothepriests.Sincetherewillbenumerouspriestshearingconfessions,weencourageparentstoavailthemselvesoftheopportunitytogotoconfessionafterallthechildrenhavefinished.

IV.TheChurch’steachingsontheEucharistA.FromtheCatechismoftheCatholicChurchFromtheparagraphsbelowintheCatechismoftheCatholicChurch,welearnthefollowing:1324TheEucharistis"thesourceandsummitoftheChristianlife."Theothersacraments,andindeedallecclesiasticalministriesandworksoftheapostolate,areboundupwiththeEucharistandareorientedtowardit.ForintheblessedEucharistiscontainedthewholespiritualgoodoftheChurch,namelyChristhimself,ourPasch."

1337TheLord,havinglovedthosewhowerehisown,lovedthemtotheend.KnowingthatthehourhadcometoleavethisworldandreturntotheFather,inthecourseofamealhewashedtheirfeetandgavethemthecommandmentoflove.163Inordertoleavethemapledgeofthislove,inordernevertodepartfromhisownandtomakethemsharersinhisPassover,heinstitutedtheEucharistasthememorialofhisdeathandResurrection,andcommandedhisapostlestocelebrateituntilhisreturn;"therebyheconstitutedthempriestsoftheNewTestament."164

1338ThethreesynopticGospelsandSt.PaulhavehandedontoustheaccountoftheinstitutionoftheEucharist;St.John,forhispart,reportsthewordsofJesusinthesynagogueofCapernaumthatpreparefortheinstitutionoftheEucharist:Christcallshimselfthebreadoflife,comedownfromheaven.165

1339JesuschosethetimeofPassovertofulfillwhathehadannouncedatCapernaum:givinghisdiscipleshisBodyandhisBlood:

ThencamethedayofUnleavenedBread,onwhichthepassoverlambhadtobesacrificed.SoJesussentPeterandJohn,saying,"Goandpreparethepassovermealforus,thatwemayeatit...."Theywent...andpreparedthepassover.Andwhenthehourcame,hesatattable,andtheapostleswithhim.Andhesaidtothem,"IhaveearnestlydesiredtoeatthispassoverwithyoubeforeIsuffer;forItellyouIshallnoteatitagainuntilitisfulfilledinthekingdomofGod."....Andhetookbread,andwhenhehadgiventhankshebrokeitandgaveittothem,saying,"Thisismybodywhichisgivenforyou.Dothisinremembranceofme."Andlikewisethecupaftersupper,saying,"ThiscupwhichispouredoutforyouistheNewCovenantinmyblood."166

1340BycelebratingtheLastSupperwithhisapostlesinthecourseofthePassovermeal,JesusgavetheJewishPassoveritsdefinitivemeaning.Jesus'passingovertohisfatherbyhisdeathandResurrection,thenewPassover,isanticipatedintheSupperandcelebratedintheEucharist,whichfulfillstheJewishPassoverandanticipatesthefinalPassoveroftheChurchinthegloryofthekingdom.

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"Dothisinmemoryofme"

1341ThecommandofJesustorepeathisactionsandwords"untilhecomes"doesnotonlyaskustorememberJesusandwhathedid.Itisdirectedattheliturgicalcelebration,bytheapostlesandtheirsuccessors,ofthememorialofChrist,ofhislife,ofhisdeath,ofhisResurrection,andofhisintercessioninthepresenceoftheFather.167

1342FromthebeginningtheChurchhasbeenfaithfultotheLord'scommand.OftheChurchofJerusalemitiswritten:Theydevotedthemselvestotheapostles'teachingandfellowship,tothebreakingofbreadandtheprayers....Daybyday,attendingthetempletogetherandbreakingbreadintheirhomes,theypartookoffoodwithgladandgeneroushearts.168

1343Itwasaboveallon"thefirstdayoftheweek,"Sunday,thedayofJesus'resurrection,thattheChristiansmet"tobreakbread."169FromthattimeondowntoourowndaythecelebrationoftheEucharisthasbeencontinuedsothattodayweencounteriteverywhereintheChurchwiththesamefundamentalstructure.ItremainsthecenteroftheChurch'slife.

1406Jesussaid:"Iamthelivingbreadthatcamedownfromheaven;ifanyoneeatsofthisbread,hewillliveforever;...hewhoeatsmyfleshanddrinksmybloodhaseternallifeand...abidesinme,andIinhim"(Jn6:51,54,56).

B. Understanding Transubstantiation v “Transubstantiation”isatheologicaltermthatdescribesthecompletechangeofthe

substance(whatsomethingisinitsdeepestbeing)ofbreadintothesubstanceofJesusChrist.Whilethesubstancechanges,theaccidents(externalfeatures)remainthesame.Whatlookslikeawafer,tasteslikeawafer,andbreaksapartlikeanordinarywaferisactuallytheBody,Blood,SoulandDivinityofJesusChrist.

C. Effects of the Eucharist in the life of Catholic

v An increased and deepened union with Jesus

v Forgiveness of venial (lesser) sins

v A strengthening to avoid future mortal (serious) sins

v A reinforced union with all other believers, who are the Church

v A preparation of the body for bodily resurrection V. Celebration of the Sacrament of the Eucharist A. First Holy Communion Retreat On Saturday, March 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. there will be a retreat for the children preparing for Communion. At least one parent should participate with their child. The retreat will begin in church at 9:00 a.m. It ends with Benediction in church.

8B. Date of First Communions

v First Holy Communions will be celebrated on Saturday, April 21. The two Masses are at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Forms to select a Mass will be distributed at the Eucharist Orientation meeting on Sunday, January 21. Other forms regarding participation of priests, deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will also be distributed.

C. Photography

v Each year we have professional photographers at the First Communion Masses. Individual photos and group photos will be offered to parents. The details and pricing will be provided at the Eucharist Orientation on Sunday, January 21.

v Parents, family members and friends should not take flash photos during the Communion Mass. No one may leave the pew to “get a shot.” Our professional photographers provide their services during the Mass and are respectful of the liturgy.

D. First Communion Banners

v Each child will create a banner that will be displayed in the church at the First Communion Masses. Directions on how to design the banner will be distributed at the Eucharist Orientation meeting on January 21. The banners should be completed and returned at the First Holy Communion Retreat on March 3.

E. Practices There will be two practices for First Holy Communion on Thursday, April 20. Depending on the Mass selected, the practices will be conducted at 6:15 p.m. or 7:15 p.m. The practices are not interchangeable. F. Dress Code Girls

v White dress v White veils or floral wreathes v No purses or gloves during Mass

Boys v Suits or sports coats are appropriate v Dress shirt and tie, or dress shirt and vest v No prayer books, rosaries or objects during Mass

G. Seating

v The children will march in at the beginning of Mass and sit on either side of the center aisle. Following the Sign of Peace, they will be seated with their parents. Parents and First Communicants will be assigned pews. Only 12 people per pew are permitted. Older siblings, relatives and friends are to be seated behind all the First Communicants and their families. At the practice, the seats will be assigned.

9 JESUSOURLIFE

TheFirstPenanceandFirstEucharisttextandactivitybooksthatareusedinthesacramentprogramisJesusOurLife,BookTwointheFaithandLifeSeries.FaithandLifeispublishedbyIgnatiusPress.TheUSCCB(UnitedStatesConferenceofCatholicBishops)haslistedFaithandLifeamongthecatecheticalbooksandseriesthatareinconformitywiththeCatechismoftheCatholicChurch.

JesusOurLifeThestudentsarepreparedforthesacramentsofPenanceandFirstHolyCommunionthroughstudyingthedevelopmentofsalvationhistory.AsstudentslearnaboutGod’splanofloveandmercy,theybegintounderstandthatthesesacramentsareGod’sgifttousandthattheytooarepartofGod’slovingplan.Specialemphasisisgiventopreparationforandreceptionofthesesacraments,aswellaslearningabouttheMass.Creed/ScriptureSacramentsStudentsdevelopanunderstandingofthemysteryofChristthroughageappropriateteachingsonChurchdoctrineandscripturalreferencesaslistedbelowandintheteacher’smanual.ChristianLivingThroughoutthesecondgrade,studentsdeveloptheirunderstandingofthedignityofthehumanperson.StudentslearntoliveouttheirfaithandrespondtowhattheylearnbyformingamoralconscienceandbylivingouttheircalltojusticeandservicethroughimitatingthelifeofJesus.PrayerThroughoutthesecondgrade,studentscontinuetheirdevelopmentofaprayerlifethatincludeslearningthebasictraditionalCatholicprayersandprayingspontaneousprayers.TheycontinuetolearnthatprayeristalkingwithGod.SpecialemphasisisgiventolearningabouttheMassastheperfectformofprayer.SacramentalPreparationStudentswillstudytheSacramentsofPenanceandHolyCommunioninpreparationtoreceivethemforthefirsttime.Theywilllearnaboutsin,God’smercy,confessionofsins,reconciliation,thestepstoagoodconfession,andthematter,form,effects,andministeroftheSacramentofPenance.TheywillalsostudythePassover,LastSupper,theinstitutionoftheEucharist,transubstantiation,thepriesthood,sacrifice,theorderandpartsoftheMass,personalunionwithChristinHolyCommunion,Eucharisticdevotion,andthematter,form,effects,andministeroftheSacramentofHolyCommunion.TheSacramentofPenanceisstudiedinchapters17,18,19,20,and30.TheSacramentofHolyCommunionisstudiedinchapters22,25,27,28,30,and33.

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MARKYOURCALENDARSFORIMPORTANTDATESIN2017-2018

N.B.RegistrationformsforthesacramentsfromSt.LukeSchoolParentsareduenolaterthanSeptember5.

SMREparentssubmitallregistrationformsbythefirstdayofreligionclassesonAugust13.

Sunday,September24

ParentmeetingontheguidelinesforFirstReconciliationwillbeonSeptember24intheParishHall,from10:45-11:20a.m.Parentsonly.

October12

“TheologyofReconciliation”willbeonThursday,October12,from7to8:00p.m.intheParishHall.Parentsonly.

December16

FirstReconciliation.ChildrengotoconfessionforthefirsttimeonSaturday,December16.WestartwithaPenanceService.Arrivenolaterthan10:40a.m.Signinandgointothechurchwithyourchild.

January21

ParentmeetingontheguidelinesforFirstHolyCommunionwillbeonSunday,January21intheParishHallfrom10:45-11:20a.m.Parentsonly.

February8

“TheologyoftheEucharist”willbeonThursday,February8,from7to8:00p.m.intheParishHall.Parentsonly.

March3

FirstHolyCommunionRetreatforchildrenandparent(s)from9:00a.m.to11:30p.m.Parent(s)andchildgatherinthechurchnolaterthan8:45a.m.

April19

FirstHolyCommunionPractices–Thursday,April19at6:15p.m.or7:15p.m.Parent(s)andchildmeetinchurch.PracticetimedependsontheFirstCommunionMasstime.

April21

FirstCommunionswillbecelebratedonSaturday,April21atthe10:00a.m.Massor1p.m.Mass.

11T6MiscellaneousQuestionsandCommentsRegardingSacramentalPreparation1.Whatroledoparentsplayinthesacramentalpreparationofthetheirchildren?ParentsarethemostimportantadultCatholicsinthelifeoftheirchild.AtbaptismyoupromisedGodthatyouwouldraiseyoursonordaughterintheCatholicfaith.Concretely,thismeansthatyouwillprovidethenecessaryreligiouseducationforyourchildinthefaith.ItalsomeansthatyouwillshowyourchildthatfaithinGodissomethingrealandpracticalandpartofeverydaylife.TheexpectationisthatyouwillbringyoursonordaughtertoMasseverySundayandholydayofobligation.

2.HowoftenshouldCatholicsreceiveHolyCommunion?TheChurchencouragesthefaithfultoreceiveHolyCommunionatMass.Inotherwords,theChurchencouragesthefaithfultoreceivetheEucharistfaithfullyandfrequently.

However, receiving the Eucharist is only “required” at least once a year. If a person has committed mortal sin, he or she must go to sacramental confession before receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. 3.DoadultsandchildrenneedtofastbeforereceivingHolyCommunion?TheChurchproscribesaone-hourfastbeforereceivingtheEucharist.Thismeanswedon’teatordrink.Nocoffee,teaorotherbeveragesshouldbeconsumed.Unlessthereisamedicalreasontodootherwise,thefastisobligatory.Notethatitisalsoinappropriatetochewgumoreatcandyinchurch.Foodanddrinkshouldneverbeconsumedinchurchatanytime!TodosowouldbetoshowdisrespecttoourLordintheTabernacle.4.WhatprayersshouldIteachmychild?SpecialbookswithtraditionalCatholicprayersaredistributedtoSt.LukeSchoolandSMREstudentseachyear.Itishighlyrecommendedthatparentshelptheirchildrenmemorizetheprayersfortheiragegroup.Afewbasicprayersmaybefoundonpage13inthebooklet.AtSt.Luke,wehaveaperpetualadorationchapel.TheBlessedSacramentisexposed24/7foradoration.WeencourageparentstobringtheirchildrenforbriefvisitstoadoreourLord.

5.WhatinformationdoIneedtosubmitbeforemychildreceivesthesacraments?WearerequiredbytheChurchtoobtaintheBaptismalinformationbeforeachildisallowedtoreceivethesacramentsofPenanceandCommunion.Pleaseobtainacopyofyourchild’sbaptismcertificatefromthechurchinwhichheorshewasbaptized.IfyourchildwasbaptizedatSt.LukeParish,youneedonlyprovideuswiththedateofBaptism.TheregistrationformsforSt.LukeSchoolstudentsortheSMREstudentsshouldbesubmittedatthetimeofregistrationinAugust.Theseformsmaybefoundontheparishwebsite.CopiesofBaptismcertificatesareduenolaterthanOctober9.

126.Isthereafeeforclasses?ThetuitionfeefortheprogramtopreparechildrenforthesacramentsintheSMREprogramis$85.Thisfeecoversthecostofthestudenttextbook,workbookandothermaterialsneededintheprogram.Pleasecheckthereligiouseducationwebsiteforonlinedonations.St.LukeSchoolcoversthecostofmaterialsusedforsacramentalpreparation.NoadditionalfeesarerequiredforSt.LukeSchoolparents.However,theregistrationformneedstobesubmittedwiththebaptismalinformation!7.WhydoyoungchildrenneedtobepreparedforFirstPenancebeforeFirstEucharist?ItisthepracticeorthenormthroughouttheChurchthatchildren,beforetheyreceivetheirFirstEucharist,firstreceivetheSacramentofPenanceorReconciliation.TheChurchteachesthat“childrenmustgotothesacramentofPenancebeforereceivingHolyCommunionforthefirsttime”(CatechismoftheCatholicChurch,No.1457);and,“Itisprimarilythedutyofparents,aswellasthedutyofpastors,totakecarethatthechildrenwhohavereachedtheuseofreasonarepreparedproperlyand,aftertheyhaveasacramentalconfession,arerefreshedwiththisdivinefood”(Canon914).8.Whatistheageofreasonandhowisthisrelatedtothesacraments?ChildrenarepreparedforPenanceandCommunionwhentheyhavereachedtheageofreason.Infantsandsmallchildrenlacksufficientmaturitytodistinguishbetweenrightandwrongandthereforearenotconsideredresponsiblefortheiractions.“Withthecompletionoftheseventhyear,aminorispresumedtohavetheuseofreason”(Canon97.2).Ofcourse,thisageisnotexact.Somemayarriveatthisageearlier,otherslaterornotatall,dependingonintelligenceandothercriticalfactors.Childrenwhohavereachedtheageofreasonareabletothinkabstractlyandapplygeneralprinciplestospecificlifesituations.Childrenwhohavereachedtheageofreasonknowthedifferencebetweengoodandevil.9.WhenmaymychildwearhisorherFirstHolyCommunionoutfitagain?WewelcometheFirstCommunicantstoweartheiroutfitsagainonSunday,April22.TheFirstHolyCommunionMassesonSaturday,April21DONOTFULFILLTHESUNDAYOBLIGATION.Therefore,pleaseplanongoingtoMassonSundaywithyourchildrendressedintheirspecialoutfits.Theywillberecognized!

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BASICPRAYERS

SignoftheCrossIntheNameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolySpirit,Amen.

OurFather

OurFather,WhoartinHeaven,hallowedbeThyName.ThyKingdomcome.ThyWillbedone,onearth,asitisinHeaven.Giveusthisdayourdailybreadandforgiveusourtrespassesasweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus;

andleadusnotintotemptation,butdeliverusfromevil.Amen.

HailMaryHailMary,fullofgrace,theLordiswiththee.Blessedartthouamongwomen,

andblessedisthefruitofthywomb,Jesus.HolyMary,MotherofGod,prayforussinnersnowandatthehourofourdeath.Amen.

GloryBe

GlorybetotheFather,andtotheSon,andtotheHolySpirit.

Asitwasinthebeginning,isnow,andevershallbe,worldwithoutend.Amen.

PrayertoMyGuardianAngelAngelofGod,myguardiandear,towhomHislovecommitsmehere,

everthisnightbeatmyside,tolightandguard,toruleandguide.Amen.

ActofContritionMyGod,Iamsorryformysinswithallmyheart.Inchoosingtodowrongandfailingtodogood,IhavesinnedagainstyouwhomIshouldloveaboveallthings. Ifirmlyintend,withyourhelp, todopenance,tosinnomore, andtoavoidwhateverleadsmetosin. OurSaviorJesusChristsufferedanddiedforus. InHisName,myGod,havemercy. Amen.*Itisrecommendedthatyoupraynightwithyourchildrenbeforetheygotobed.Agood

practicetobeginwithyourchildistoprayTheActofContritiontogether.

14 PERSONALNOTES________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________