The Sacraments of First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
In light of the Covid19 Pandemic the current schedule for First Communion celebrations is likely to change. We appreciate that this is a frustrating situation for all parents and we appreciate your patience at this difficult time. The parish team is working closely to make decisions regarding rescheduling that will be considerate of all families affected by this unique circumstance. Father Ed Henhoeffer will communicate these decisions when they are made. Communication will come via the Elementary Schools as well as being posted on the parish website.
In the meantime we encourage parents to check in regularly with this website. It is our intent to update this page with useful tips and information to help parents contribute to the ongoing sacramental preparation for their children. We hope to have some specific things posted by March 31st.
Children in Grade 2 for the 2019-2020 school year who are Baptized may participate in the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Those children attending one of our Catholic Elementary Schools will participate with their classmates. If your child does not attend one of these schools (ie attend public, private or home school) please refer to the Catechetical Page of our Sacraments header.
Here is the process for those students in Catholic Elementary School:
Registration forms are distributed by classroom teachers the first week of school commencing in September. Copies of the registration form can also be downloaded from this site (see below).
Parents are to complete in FULL the registration form and attach a COPY of the child's Catholic Baptism Certificate to the form. The Baptism Certificate is required even if the child was baptized at this parish. If you do not have a copy of the Baptism Certificate please contact your child's church of Baptism and secure a record to be submitted with the registration form.
Parents are to attend a compulsory Parent Meeting on Wednesday September 25th @ 7:00 pm (doors open 6:30 pm) in the church. This meeting will provide important information about both sacraments.
Completed registration forms are to be handed in at the Parent Meeting. Alternatively you can drop off the completed forms to the parish office directly or scan and email them to NOTE: forms are NOT to be returned to schools and teachers will not collect them; they must be submitted to the parish office only.
We ask for all registration forms to be submitted to the parish office no later than October 11/19.
First Communion & First Reconciliation Registration Form: Click here
First Communion & First Reconciliation Information Letter: Click Here
Important Dates for First Reconciliation and First Communion
Requirements if Child is Not Baptized Roman Catholic:
If your child was Baptized outside of the Roman Catholic Church and desires these sacraments the Catholic parent will be required to provide a Profession of Faith which can be done via the parish priest if necessary. Please contact the priest directly if you wish to pursue this.
If your child was not Baptized and wishes to participate in the sacraments you must contact the parish priest to discuss Baptism. This must be done immediately. Please note that at least one parent must be Catholic for the sacraments to be celebrated.
Finally, please be aware that participation in the sacraments is optional. It must be reflective of your desire as a parent to enrich the faith life and development of your child. Sacramental preparation does require parental involvement, guidance and support therefore your commitment to this event is essential.
If you have any questions about this sacrament please contact our parish office and speak with our Lay Parish Minister, Mrs. Arden Ouellette.