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I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. ( John 6:51)
Jesus instituted the sacrament of Eucharist at the Last Supper through the sacrifice of his Precious Body and Blood. It is the gift we celebrate at each and every Mass through the breaking of the bread.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is the "source and summit" of Christian life. ( CCC 1324) -
PREPARATION FOR FIRST SACRAMENTS
Catechesis for each sacrament is intended for all members of the Christian community, takes place within the community, and involves the whole community of faith... and [it] involves the parents in the preparation of their children for the sacraments. -National Directory for Catechesis.First Sacrament Preparation honors these principles here at Corpus Christi Catholic Church by empowering the parents of our parish to teach their children sacramental catechesis at home. First sacrament preparation is taught primarily at home by the parents. We also hold group meetings throughout the year to celebrate and grow together as a community.SACRAMENT PREPARATION OVERVIEW
Beginning in 1st Grade, students must register for the First Sacrament Preparation program, which is for both First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Parents are the teachers. It is designed to be a home-based program, using the Resources for Christian Living Sacrament Preparation Series. The lessons taught at home will be supported with some materials presented and studied within the student's respective religious education format (CCE, school, Family Faith, home study).
Sacrament Preparation is not a stand alone program. Your child must attend some form of CCE classes at the same time. (see the IMPORTANT NOTES section below).
Sacramental Preparation takes a two full school years with First Reconciliation in the Fall and First Communion in the Spring of the second year. A child cannot receive his/her First Holy Communion without going to their First Reconciliation beforehand.IMPORTANT NOTES
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Religious education is required at least one year prior to and during the year beginning sacramental preparation. Children not in Catholic school must register for an Elementary CCE class to continue to build their Catholic formation. An interview will be scheduled with any child without the minimum one year of prior religious education prior to beginning sacramental preparation to determine his/her understanding of the faith.
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The preparation process is available for children with special needs in various format to suit your child's particular needs.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN
Catholic school children are prepared through their home parish and the school supports the parish program through materials in class. Please go to the main page for Religious Education for the registration form to join the process this year.MEETINGS FOR YOUR PREPARATION
The primary sacramental preparation will be done at home, we also have four meetings that are a required part of the process to make your child fully ready to celebrate the sacraments.
1. PARENT INFO NIGHT
At this first meeting the parents come to get the needed course materials and find out more about the process of sacramental preparation. There is also plenty of time for questions and concerns to be voiced, and for guidance and support to be offered.
2. PRACTICE WALK THROUGH
We walk through each of the sacraments to teach the practical aspects of their reception and to allieviate any anxiety that might be felt by the students. This is a great time to model the practice of your faith for your kids.
3. DAY RETREATS
For just a few hours in the Fall and again in the Spring, we spend time as a community praying and learning together. One portion of the retreat is just for the parents, while their students are placed into age-appropriate classes. Without a life of prayer, the sacraments mean little.
4. ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW
There is an interview before each child is allowed to receive the sacrament in order to determine their readiness. This is a short and stress-free conversation with your child that lasts about 10 minutes. If your child does not pass, not to worry, a re-assessment can be scheduled immediately. -
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Connie Rodriguezreligiousedccparishhouston.orgCoordinator of Religious Education
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