First Communion Programme 2008/2009 |
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Notes for parents |
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| Preparation for First Holy Communion takes ten months and is based on the Brusselmans programme, 'We Celebrate the Eucharist', as set out in the Golden Book: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Each month we hold a Saturday morning class to review what the children have been studying the previous month with their parents, and to prepare for Sunday mass the following day (or on Saturday evening), when the children participate in the readings and bidding prayers, and in the offertory procession. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The programme involves parents as well as children, so parents need to help their children read and understand the relevant chapter in the Golden Book each month before the Saturday class. So, for example, during October you study the first chapter, ‘Belonging’, and during the November class we shall be focusing on what it means to Belong. Your Family Guide explains what the theme is all about and suggests ways in which you might help your child. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The children will be divided into three groups for the Saturday classes. There are two classes for 7-8 year olds, one class from 9.00am to 10.15am, and the other from 10.45am to 12.00pm. There is also a separate class for older children from 9.00am to 10.15am. Please bring your child to the church hall 5 or 10 minutes before the class starts, and be in the Link to collect them at the end of class. If you are unable to collect your child please make arrangements with another parent to do so. But please be assured that if you are unavoidably delayed a catechist will stay with your child at the church until you arrive. If you want your child to walk home you must give the catechists a signed note to say so. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The children should bring their (completed) Golden Book and a set of felt-tip colouring pens to the class. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| With the growing number of children now attending first communion classes you are asked to choose one mass that you will regularly attend on Golden Book weekends each month. The reason for this is so that the catechists can organise a rota for readers and helpers in advance. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| On Sundays (or Saturday evening) please bring your child to church 10 minutes before mass starts and check in with the catechist at the back of the church. THIS IS IMPORTANT because children take turns to read and help at mass and we need to know they are present before mass starts. If you arrive late, and your child was due to read, you may find that we have chosen a substitute reader. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Confessions, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, will take place during a special service in March. You may choose from three available times: Saturday morning 21 March, Friday evening 27 March, or Saturday morning 28 March. All parents are expected to attend with their children. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Communions will take place at the 11.15am mass on Sundays 20 June, 27 June and 4 July. After mass we hold a short celebration for the children and their families in the church hall. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To cover the cost of the Golden Book, the Family Guide, the Children’s bible, flowers, printing, etc, we ask for a contribution of £25 for each child. Please give this to Fr Jerry or one of the catechists in an envelope with your name written on it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Information about the First Communion programme will be posted on the notice board in the church porch and on the parish website, www.stpeters-hove.org.uk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| If you feel you need more support or have any questions as you prepare your child for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion, please do not hesitate to contact Fr Jerry or one of the catechists. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Past Events | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
29/09/2008 |
Parent's Meeting Introduction |
8.00pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
04/10/2008 |
Our Church (enrolment) |
Saturday Classes 09.00 to 10.15 and 10.45 to 12.00 Saturday or Sunday Mass 4th or 5th October |
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08/11/2008 |
Belonging |
Saturday Classes 09.00 to 10.15 and 10.45 to 12.00 Saturday or Sunday Mass 8th or 9th November |
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24/11/2008 |
Parent's Meeting The Mass |
8.00pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/12/2008 |
Celebrating |
Saturday Classes 09.00 to 10.15 and 10.45 to 12.00 Saturday or Sunday Mass 6th or 7th December |
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| Future Events | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10/01/2009 |
Listening |
Saturday Classes 09.00 to 10.15 and 10.45 to 12.00 Saturday or Sunday Mass 10th or 11th January |
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07/02/2009 |
Caring |
Saturday Classes 09.00 to 10.15 and 10.45 to 12.00 Saturday or Sunday Mass 7th or 8th February |
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09/03/2009 |
Parent's Meeting The Sacrament of Reconciliation |
8.00pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14/03/2009 |
Making Peace |
Saturday Classes 09.00 to 10.15 and 10.45 to 12.00 Saturday or Sunday Mass 14th or 15th March |
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21/03/2009 |
Sacrament of Reconciliation |
Choice of Dates 11.00am |
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27/03/2009 |
Sacrament of Reconciliation |
Choice of Dates 6.00pm |
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28/03/2009 |
Sacrament of Reconciliation |
Service for Children & Parents 11.00am |
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20/04/2009 |
Parent's Meeting The Eucharist |
8.00pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
25/04/2009 |
Giving Thanks for Creation |
Saturday Classes 09.00 to 10.15 and 10.45 to 12.00 Saturday or Sunday Mass 25th or 26th April |
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01/06/2009 |
Parent's Meeting Preparation for First Holy Communion celebrations |
8.00pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
06/06/2009 |
Giving Thanks for New Life |
Saturday Classes 09.00 to 10.15 and 10.45 to 12.00 Saturday or Sunday Mass 6th or 7th June |
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20/06/2009 |
Sharing a Meal First Communion (Rehearsal) |
Choice of Dates Rehearsal 20th June 10.30 to 11.30 |
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21/06/2009 |
Sharing a Meal First Communion |
Choice of Dates Mass 21st June 11.15am |
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27/06/2009 |
Sharing a Meal First Communion (Rehearsal) |
Choice of Dates Rehearsal 27th June 10.30 to 11.30 |
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27/06/2009 |
Sharing a Meal First Communion |
Choice of Dates Mass 27th June 11.15am |
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04/07/2009 |
Sharing a Meal First Communion (Rehearsal) |
Choice of Dates Rehearsal 4th July 10.30 to 11.30 |
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05/07/2009 |
Sharing a Meal First Communion |
Choice of Dates Mass 5th July 11.15am |
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