St. Rose of Lima Catholic Parish
2017-2018
First Penance and First Communion Information Sheet
Susan Joseph, Coordinator of Religious Education grades K-6 – www.strose-parish.org
Goal for this year: Our children celebrate the Sacraments of First Penance and First Communion with understanding and joy! J
Religious Education Attendance Policy for First Penance and First Holy Communion: One excused absence per semester (Sept-Dec; Jan-April) Missed chapter obtained from teachers the following week, completed at home, and handed in the next class. Additional absences – please contact Susan.
Prayers for First Penance: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition.
Children will celebrate the sacrament of Penance after these prayers are mastered so they can engage in the sacramental celebration to the fullest. Please note the Archdiocese of Washington requires the sacrament of Penance be celebrated before First Communion.
Formation Outside of Class:
· Have your child come with you when you receive Communion at mass! He/she should have their arms crossed over their chest indicating that they are not to receive communion but can receive a blessing. It is by closely observing you and others that you child will understand how one is to present themselves to receive our Lord.
· Parents and children attend three preparation gatherings, attendance is expected at all three. Please mark family calendars now to ensure availability. These meetings are designed to engage parents and children in the preparation process and to expand learning beyond the limitations of classroom study. God Parents, grandparents, or other adults are also welcome.
First Penance Celebration: Celebrated on Saturday 1/13, 10:00am.
· Children to arrive by 9:45am.
· Dress – children may dress up or dress comfortably – whatever your family’s preference
· Celebration will begin with the Liturgy of the Word service followed by individual confessions. .
· Please maintain quiet in the Church while waiting for individual confession – remind children too please!
First Communion Celebration- Children receive both bread and wine on First Communion Day. If children are allergic to communion bread – wafers, including low gluten wafers, are available.
2 OPTIONS: It is assumed that your child will participate in the group mass (option 1) unless otherwise communicated to Susan IN WRITING. Thank you!
Option 1: Group First Communion Mass on Saturday, May 12, 2017 at 10:00am Main Church.*
Dress for First Communion Group Mass
Girls – white dress, shoes, tights/socks OPTIONAL – veil or flowers in hair NO GLOVES please
Boys – blue or black pants; white or blue shirt; white, blue or black solid tie; dress shoes/socks OPTIONAL- blue or black jacket
· Members of the St. Rose Photography Ministry will take pictures of each child as they are receiving. These will be posted free of charge on a website within a short time of the First Communion day.
· Required rehearsal for all participants on Wednesday, May 9, 2017 6:30-8:00pm.
· Children sit together – girls on one side of Church, boys on the other side
· Seating for families first come, first serve
· Children sing a special song towards end of Mass
Option 2: Celebrate at one of the following regular weekend Mass (Sunday, May 6 at 09:00am, Saturday, May 19th at the 5:00pm Vigil Mass, or Sunday, June 3rd at 11:00am.)
· NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY at a weekend Mass (Church will be bright enough)
· No rehearsal – Susan will email instructions the week of Mass
· Children process in with priest then are seated with their families; after Lamb of God children come forward alone to receive First Communion.
· No dress requirements other than “Sunday best” – no jeans/sneakers please; most children follow group First Communion dress requirements; khaki pants ok for boys; girls can wear a colored outfit if preferred
*The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Saturday, May 12 at 2:00pm. (8th graders and high schoolers who have been preparing)
Additional Information may be found at www.strose-parish.org