First Communion Programme 2009/2010 |
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Notes for parents |
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| This year Preparation for First Holy Communion will be based on the Sadler Sacrament Programme, "We Believe and Celebrate'. This new 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 enrollment session and a session dealing with the Sacrament of Reconciliation; | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 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 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 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 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 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 10.45am to 12.00pm. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Please bring your child to the church hall 5 to 10 minutes before the class starts, and be in the Link to collect them at the end of the class. If you are unable to collect your child please make sure 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) work 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 the class weekend 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 the church 10 minutes before mass starts and check in with the catechists 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 12th or 19th March, or Saturday morning 13th or 20th March. All parents are expected to attend with their children. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Communions will take place at the 11.15am mass on Sundays 12th, 19th and 26th June. After mass we hold a short celebration for the children and their families in the church hall. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To cover the cost of the workbook, the family guide, the children's bible, flowers, printing etc, we ask for a contribution of £25.00 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Below are listed the dates for this year's programme; if you would like a downloadable sheet, please click here | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Past Events | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||