First Communion Programme 2011/2012

  
     
 
Notes for parents
  
     
  Preparation for First Holy Communion is based on the Sadler Sacrament Programme, 'We Believe
and Celebrate '. This programme includes a children’s work book, a parents’ guide and a variety
of web-based resources.		  
     
  Our classes will follow the six chapters in the work book with the addition of an introductory
enrolment session and a session dealing with the Sacrament of Reconciliation:		  
     
 
Oct   Introduction and enrolment    
Nov   Chapter 1; ‘We Belong to the Church’    
Dec   Advent Service    
Jan   Chapter 2; ‘We Gather and Give Thanks’    
Feb   Chapter 3; ‘We Celebrate the Liturgy of the Word’    
Mar   The Sacrament of Reconciliation    
Mar   First Confessions (the Sacrament of Reconciliation)    
Apr   Chapter 4; ‘We Celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist’    
May   Chapter 5; ‘We Receive the Body and Blood of Christ’    
Jun   First Communions (the Sacrament of the Eucharist)    
Sep   Chapter 6; ‘We Love and Serve the Lord’    
 
     
  Classes are held each month on a Saturday morning, during which we review what the children
have been studying the previous month with their parents, and prepare for masses the following
day (or on Saturday evening), when the children participate in the bidding prayers and offertory
procession.		  
     
  The programme involves parents as well as children, so parents need to help their children read
and understand the relevant chapter in their work book each month before the Saturday class.
So, for example, during October you study the first chapter, ‘We Belong to the Church’, and
during the November class we shall be focusing on what it means to belong. Your parents’ guide
book explains what the theme is all about and suggests ways in which you might help your child.		  
     
  There are three Saturday classes: one from 9.00am to 10.15am, another from 10.45am to
12.00pm, and the third from 12.30pm to 1.45pm. You will have been allocated a class for your
child who should always attend at the same time each month. Children will be divided into four
groups for each class, with the older children (aged 11 and upwards) grouped together in the
10.45am class.		  
     
  Please bring your child to the church hall 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 alone you must give the catechists a signed note to say so.		  
     
  The children should bring their completed work book and a set of colouring pens to every 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 the class weekend each month. The reason for
this is so that the catechists can organise a rota for bidding prayer 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 four available times: Friday evening 9 or 16 March, or Saturday
morning 10 or 17 March. Parents are expected to attend with their children.		  
     
  First Communions will take place at 11.30am on Saturdays 16 and 23 June, and on Sundays 17
and 24 June. After mass we hold a short celebration for the children and their families in the
church hall.		  
     
  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 speak to Fr Jerry or one of the
catechists, Jane Noble, Kathy Crooke, Kate Fryer and Vincent Joyce.		  
     
     
  Past Events  
 
03/10/2011 
PARENTS' MEETING Introduction
 8.00pm  
 
15/10/2011 
Enrolment
 09.00 - 10.15 10.45 - 12.00 12.30 - 01.45  
 
19/11/2011 
We Belong to the Church
 9.00 - 10.15 10.45 - 12.00 12.30 - 01.45  
 
21/11/2011 
PARENTS' MEETING The Mass
 8.00pm  
 
02/12/2011 
Advent Service
 Friday 2 December 7.00pm  
 
14/01/2012 
We Gather and Give Thanks
 09.00 - 10.15 10.45 - 12.00 12.30 - 01.45  
 
04/02/2012 
We Celebrate the Liturgy of the Word
 09.00 - 10.15 10.45 - 12.00 12.30 - 01.45  
  Future Events      
 
27/02/2012 
PARENTS' MEETING The Sacrament of Reconciliation
 8.00pm  
 
03/03/2012 
Sacrament of Reconciliation
 09.00 - 10.15 10.45 - 12.00 12.30 - 01.45  
 
09/03/2012 
Sacrament of Reconciliation
 6.00pm Choice of Dates  
 
10/03/2012 
Sacrament of Reconciliation
 11.00am Choice of dates  
 
16/03/2012 
Sacrament of Reconciliation
 6.00pm Choice of dates  
 
17/03/2012 
Sacrament of Reconciliation
 11.00am Choice of Dates  
 
16/04/2012 
PARENTS' MEETING The Eucharist
 8.00pm  
 
21/04/2012 
We Celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist
 09.00 - 10.15 10.45 - 12.00 12.30 - 01.45  
 
12/05/2012 
We Receive the Body and Blood of Christ
 09.00 - 10.15 10.45 - 12.00 12.30 - 01.45  
 
21/05/2012 
PARENTS' MEETING Preparation for First Holy Communion celebrations
 8.00pm  
 
16/06/2012 
First Communion Services
 To be held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Choice of four dates;
Saturday 16 June 11.30am
Sunday 17 June 11.30am
Saturday 23 June 11.30am
Sunday 24 June 11.30am

Rehearsals on Friday evenings at 5pm and 6.30pm		  
 
17/06/2012 
First Communion Services
 To be held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Choice of four dates;
Saturday 16 June 11.30am
Sunday 17 June 11.30am
Saturday 23 June 11.30am
Sunday 24 June 11.30am

Rehearsals on Friday evenings at 5pm and 6.30pm 		 
 
23/06/2012 
First Communion Services
 To be held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Choice of four dates;
Saturday 16 June 11.30am
Sunday 17 June 11.30am
Saturday 23 June 11.30am
Sunday 24 June 11.30am

Rehearsals on Friday evenings at 5pm and 6.30pm		  
 
24/06/2012 
First Communion Services
 To be held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Choice of four dates;
Saturday 16 June 11.30am
Sunday 17 June 11.30am
Saturday 23 June 11.30am
Sunday 24 June 11.30am

Rehearsals on Friday evenings at 5pm and 6.30pm		  
 
15/09/2012 
We Love and Serve the Lord
 09.00 - 10.15 10.45 - 12.00 12.30 - 01.45