RECONCILIATION (Confession)
Baptism forgives sins and begins the healing of sinfulness. However, sometimes we fail to live the baptismal call to follow Christ. When we deliberately fail to love God and one another, we need the healing power of forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
EUCHARIST (Communion)
Receiving the Eucharist for the first time is an important religious event in the life of a child. Along with Baptism and Confirmation, it is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the life of the practicing Catholic community. The Eucharist is the center and the heart of the Christian life. It helps people understand that celebration of the Eucharist nourishes the faithful with Christ, the Bread of Life, so that, filled with the love of God and one another, they may become more and more acceptable to God and build up the Christian community with the works of charity, service, missionary activity and witness.
In preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist at St. Augustine Parish, the children are required to participate in a process with a minimum of two years, be they in the Catholic School or Faith Formation program, beginning with the first grade level or later. The reception of the First Eucharist will not take place earlier than the final months of the second grade. It is at this time that the child usually reaches the ability to understand the difference between the Body and Blood of Jesus and ordinary bread and wine.
PARENTS ARE IMPORTANT
“Parents as primary educators of their children must be involved in the preparation of their children for the sacraments. The Parish will provide programs which will enable the parents or guardians to be aware of this right and responsibility, assist them in fulfilling it and supply them with the necessary catechesis in regard to the sacraments.”
In compliance with the above statement, St. Augustine Parish sets forth the following policies for the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FIRST YEAR
FOR THE CHILD:
• Be enrolled in the Catholic School or Faith Formation Program.
• Have no more than THREE absences during the year. Exceptions will be considered on an
individual basis. When absent, the student is to bring a note to the teacher from the parent
or guardian upon returning to class.
• Having FOUR tardies will count as ONE absence from class.
• Regular attendance at Sunday Mass is required.
• Study the required prayers for their grade level at home.
• Prayers and lessons will be given at the end of the year to study at home. Tests will be given
from this material before beginning the second year.
FOR THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS:
• Attend the general meeting at the beginning of the year.
• Attend ONE of the scheduled parent meetings.
• Work with your child/children on homework activities. See that the activities are completed
and returned to the teacher at the assigned time.
• Be an example to your child/children by attending adult formation classes especially
catechesis on the sacraments or Bible study sessions.
• Encourage your child/children by asking questions about religion classes.
• A copy of the baptismal certificate needs to be turned in by the end of the year.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SECOND YEAR
FOR THE CHILD:
• Be enrolled in the Catholic School or Faith Formation Program.
• Have completed all the first year requirements. If not, the first year needs to be repeated.
• Have no more than THREE absences during the year. Exceptions will be considered on an
individual basis. When absent, the child is to bring a note to the teacher from the parent or
guardian upon returning to class.
• Having FOUR tardies will count as an absence from class.
• Regular attendance at Sunday Mass is required.
• Be present for the practice on the assigned date before the Eucharist.
• Extra work will be assigned to do at home. It needs to be completed, signed and returned to
the teacher.
• Take the test from study materials at the beginning of the year. The results will be given to
the parents.
FOR THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS:
• Attend general meeting.
• Attend scheduled parent meetings, one before Reconciliation and another before the
Eucharist.
• Work with your child/children on homework activities, especially the prayers. See that the
activities are completed and returned to the teacher at the assigned time.
• Be an example to your child/children by attending adult formation classes especially
catechesis on the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist or Bible Study sessions.
• Participate in the Reconciliation Service with your child/children.
• Attend the Eucharist practice on the assigned date.
• Encourage your child/children by asking questions about their religion classes.
Reception of the Eucharist (Communion) for the first time DOES NOT MEAN that your child/children has finished his/her religious instructions. It is your duty and responsibility to continue sending your child/children to instructions in the faith. Their faith needs to be nourished along the way by participation in the programs the parish has available on your child’s level. You are encouraged to take this responsibility seriously. Showing love and example during these early years is an important factor in your child’s faith development.
If a child moves into the program after it has begun from another parish, city or state, they will be admitted if information can be provided that they were attending instructions elsewhere.
A sponsor is not necessary, but if one is chosen, proof of membership in a Catholic Church will be required. If married, proof of marriage in the Catholic Church will be required and he/she must have received the Sacraments of Initiation.