1st Eucharist Preparation 2008
Feb 2-3 thru April 5-6 Banners and pieces will be available for pick-up after weekend Masses.
Feb. 29, 6-8pm or March 1st, 9-11AM Bread baking retreat for parents and students. Bring keepsake books with sessions 1 and 2 completed.
Monday, March 31, 6:30pm Teaching Mass in church, sessions 3 and 4 in student book should be completed
April 1st, Completed student keepsake books returned to your teacher
| 1st Eucharist Sacramental Date | Rehearsal Date |
| April 26, 2008 11AM Saturday in church | April 21, 2008 Monday 6pm in church |
| April 27, 2008 9AM Sunday Mass in church | April 21, 2008 Monday 7pm in church |
| April 27, 2008 11AM Sunday Mass in auditorium | April 20, 2008 Sunday, 10:00 AM in auditorium |
General Information
If you want your child to receive First Communion at St Bridget, First Reconciliation needs to be received FIRST. If your child received First Communion in another diocese without receiving First Reconciliation, you should enroll in the Sacramental program THIS YEAR.
No "automatic" age or grade level exist for reception of sacraments. Preparation for these two sacraments is SEPARATE FROM the "school year" religious education programs. Preparation is always a family choice. Religious Education programs do NOT prepare your child directly for reception of either sacrament. However, your family must be enrolled simultaneously in one of these programs in order to be eligible for sacramental preparation.
Since children are prepared at home for each sacrament, an older child need not fear embarrassment about being grouped with younger children. Materials are age-appropriate (if your child is in special education, please ask about appropriate materials) and preparation is done in the family, not in classes at the church. Parents, however DO participate in meetings to help them prepare their children.
PLEASE NOTE:
Parents who have participated in sacramental preparation for other children in the last 2 years at St. Bridget are exempted from some of the Parent Meetings. Please read the letters you will receive in the fall for details.
First Reconciliation
…..(First Confession)
Preparation for First Reconciliation at St. Bridget takes place in the fall. A series of two Parent Preparation Meetings are held to assist parents as they prepare their children with materials at home.
In general a child is eligible for First Reconciliation if
 | The child understands that God is always loving and forgiving |
| The child is able to distinguish right from wrong. |
| The child has participated in "formal" Religious Education programs for one year before the year of the sacramental preparation (usually children are, at the earliest, in 2nd grade) |
| The Child’s parents attend both parent meetings |
| Parents supervise the preparation process and completed preparation materials are turned in to students Religious Education teacher |
First
Eucharist
…(First Communion)
Preparation for First Eucharist at St. Bridget takes place in the spring. Two Parent Preparation Meetings are held to assist parents to prepare their children with materials at home.
In general children are eligible for First Eucharist if
| They meet the same requirements as given for First Reconciliation |
| They regularly attend Mass with parents and can participate in basic parts of the Mass. They understand the meaning of Eucharist. |
| They have received First Reconciliation 4-6 months prior to receiving First Eucharist |
| Their parents attend both parent meetings. |
At St. Bridget, reception of First Eucharist is scheduled in the spring. Instruction for choosing the date and time of the Mass are included with the preparation materials.
Confirmation 9th & 10th Grade
| To help young people develop a deeper appreciation of the meaning of Jesus in their lives. |
| To inolve young people in following the example of Jesus by reaching out to the poor. |
| To help young people feel a valued part of the Church, especially here at St. Bridget. |
| To provide opportunities for young people to pray in ways that are meaningful to them. |
| To provide a place where young people can develop meaningful relationships with their peers in light of the Gospel message. |
| To help young people connect faith and life. |