The Sacraments of First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion generally take place when a child is in Grade 2. First Reconciliation (confession) must take place prior to the reception of First Communion and introduces the child to the forgiveness of sins, a sacrament that brings all Catholics closer to God.
First Communion is the sacrament whereby children receive the Eucharist for the first time, thus fully participating in the Mass and developing a greater understanding of the sacrifices made by Jesus for humanity.
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
For those parents who have registered their child for one of the Make Up dates please note that today a letter providing details about the service as well as information to help you prepare your child for the sacrament, was sent to you via the email address you provided online. If you did not receive the letter contact the parish office as we must ensure we have your correct email address on hand. Click here to view the letter sent today.
A brief video message to accompany the letter will be sent in the coming week or so.
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
Due to the circumstances surrounding the current pandemic, First Communions for students in Grade 2 for 2019-2020 were cancelled.
The pastoral team has now set aside dates and times for students who missed the sacrament to attend a make up date celebration. An detailed letter outlining the process for this celebration, including booking a spot for your child online, was emailed September 11th to all who were previously registered (last year). If you did not receive an email it is possible the parish did not have accurate email contact information. A copy of the letter is enclosed here.
Please note there will be a strict limit of 6 guests plus the child receiving the sacrament for these celebrations as we cannot surpass our allowed capacity as per provincial guidelines. Additionally there will be protocol for masks, hand sanitizing and physical distancing while on church property. The details are included in the letter.
If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Arden Ouellette, or she may be reached at the parish office, 905-332-5115.
We appreciate your patience and support with these celebrations as it is our intention to ensure the sacrament is a joyful, faith filled experience for everyone.
For students entering Grade 2 in the fall of 2020:
Information regarding both sacraments will be communicated via the elementary schools when school starts. We hope to send information home via email by the end of September.
For families whose children do not attend Catholic Elementary School please visit our Catechetical Studies webpage or contact Arden Ouellette at the parish office.
UPDATE - APRIL 9th 2020
Please read the enclosed letter from Father Ed regarding the rescheduling of First Communion celebrations for our Grade 2 students. We are greatly disappointed to have to make this decision but it is necessary until the parish is fully operating again. If you have further questions or concerns please contact Arden Ouellette
Letter from Father Ed regarding First Holy Communion 2020
UPDATE - APRIL 1ST 2020
Due to the extension of the closure of all schools as a result of the Covid19 Pandemic, the First Communion celebrations will not be celebrated as originally scheduled. Father Ed Henhoeffer has not made a decision regarding rescheduling dates. When a decision has been made parents will be informed via their school and the information will be posted on this website. We understand this is greatly disappointing for children and their families. We encourage families to access the website, in particular the Youth Ministry page, on a regular basis as it provides current and useful information to help all families with young children to continue their faith development.
For children entering Grade 2 in the Fall of 2020 information regarding the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion will be posted here by late summer 2020 or early Fall 2020. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic the preparation and bestowing of sacraments is not fully determined for the foreseeable future. Updates will be posted as information is available to share. We thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have specific questions regarding sacramental preparation please contact Mrs. Arden Ouellette, Lay Parish Minister, at the parish office.
