Blessed Sacrament Church at 3127 James St, Syracuse, NY 13206 US - First Eucharist Preparation Program

First Eucharist Preparation Program

Sunday Liturgy
Beginning with the first class date (March 14th) and continuing throughout the six week program, all candidates should attend the 9:30am liturgy.  During that liturgy, the candidates are dismissed to the chapel during the readings and homily for continued focus on the Sacrament of First Communion

Baptismal Certificate
If your child was not baptized at Blessed Sacrament Church, then it is necessary that you obtain a copy of his/her Baptismal Certificate.  Baptismal Certificates are to be turned in to the Religious Education Center PRIOR to the celebration of First Holy Communion.

Instruction
Regular attendance and participation by the candidate is required to complete the program.

Parent/Child Dialogue
During this time parent(s) and children will have opportunities to grow in their faith, grow closer together as family and enjoy each other more as well as their life together in Jesus Christ.

Celebration of First Holy Communion -- Sunday May 3rd (9:30am and 11:30am Masses)
The parish celebration of First Holy Communion will be held on May 3rd.  Those families who are not ready at this time or who wish to celebrate First Holy Communion at another time may arrange to do so.


Questions For Parents
What you can do as a parent to make it a memorable day?

• Talk with your child about the day - your hopes and plans for the day
• Talk about your own First Communion - your remembrances of the day
• Let brothers / sisters share their experiences too
• Ask your child about his / her hopes for the day.  What fears do they have?
• Try to avoid making too much fuss about the clothes so they don't become the most important part of the day
• Have prayer time together - set the time and make it happen
• Talk to your spouse about your own faith and how you think you should be living as a Christian family - how you use your time and your talents, the way you treat each other.  Are we growing in our own faith?
• What rituals or devotions do we have as a family (i.e. Advent, Lent, Special child day)?  Share Bible stories.
• Help them see Jesus in the events of their own life
• if you have any questions or concerns about the day, talk to the Priest, Director of Religious Education or the Catechists
• Show your genuine interest in the preparation and be there to enjoy it with your child.  It is a very special day - an event your child and family will always remember.

What does your child need to know?

1. That he / she is unique and special with gifts and talents.  All people are unique, lovable, valuable, too -- regardless of race, color or creed.
2. That he / she is loved permanently and unconditionally no matter what.  For example, when he / she does something wrong, let them know you dislike the behavior but not the child.  Through your unconditional love, your child begins to understand God's love.
3. That God is at the heart of creation.  Talk about how you see God; what it means to be Christian; how it's hard sometimes to be Christian; how you are committed to your faith.
4. The stories of the Gospel - how Jesus treated people; the kind of person He was; the stories He told.
5. How to communicate with other people - how we pay attention to each other and listen as well as talk - make time to share / talk with each other.
6. How to pray - meals, bedtime, Mass.  Prayer is a time to thank God; say you're sorry; ask for help.  If you don't pray together, now is a good time to start.  Help you child be comfortable and familiar with prayer and a relationship with Jesus.

Questions Children Ask

• Question:  How is Jesus in the host?   Answer: We believe the host becomes the body of Jesus when the priest says "This is my Body, given for you".  We believe this because Jesus tells us so.  We know it is possible because Jesus also multiplied the loaves and fishes.
• Question:  Why do we have to go to Mass?   Answer: We go to thank God for all He has done for us.  We go to join our family and parish to praise God and listen to His Word.  We go to become one with Jesus in receiving him in Holy Communion.
• Question:  Why aren't my prayers answered?   Answer: We may not get the answer we want but prayers are answered.  God is full of love for you and always gives you what is best, even if you can't see it at the time.
•   Question:  Am I going to feel different after Holy Communion?   Answer: Sometimes we feel nervous and excited on special days.  Receiving Holy Communion is a special day.  Holy Communion will not make us feel physically different.  But you will know that Jesus has come to you in a special way helping you to be a better and more loving person.

General Statements
+ All children must have some religious education before receiving a sacrament.
+ Parents must be willing to take an active part in instructing their children in the Catholic faith and life.
+ Children attending public school must attend Religious Education classes.
+ While the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are celebrated only once, the sacrament of Eucharist is celebrated frequently throughout the life of a Catholic Christian.
+ Families attend Mass regularly to involve children in the understanding and full participation in the Eucharist liturgy.

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