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Preparation for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation will begin in September, 2023. Children must be in grade two or higher.
Preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will begin in January, 2024. Children must be in grade two or higher. The Diocese of Calgary requires that children must have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation first. Children in Grade 6 or higher are eligible to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation for this sacrament will begin in January, 2024. |
Preparation for Children in Grade two and Above
First Reconciliation
Whenever our children prepare to receive a sacrament in the Catholic Church, it reminds us of how important our roles as teachers and role models are in their faith development. We strive to lead them to God and to full and active participation in the Church through our own examples of love, faith, and forgiveness. Fortunately, these are not tasks that we have to accomplish on our own, we have the support and example of our schools and parishes.
If God loves his people unconditionally, then why does the sacrament of Reconciliation (sometimes called Penance or Confession) exist? In receiving this sacrament, we are offered the opportunity to heal our relationship with our loving Father. As humans, we have the need to hear the words “You are forgiven” as a chance for us to continue on our faith journeys feeling connected to our God, who never disconnects from us.One of the best ways for you to prepare your child for this sacrament is to model forgiveness.
Our children learn about forgiveness when we forgive them, each other, and ourselves. It is also important to model how we approach others with the words “I’m sorry” and how we can also show our penitence through actions of love.
Rev. Avinash Colaco, Rector and Rev. Julian Studden of St. Mary's Cathedral want to assure you that we will be honoured to work with you and your child on this faith journey.
If God loves his people unconditionally, then why does the sacrament of Reconciliation (sometimes called Penance or Confession) exist? In receiving this sacrament, we are offered the opportunity to heal our relationship with our loving Father. As humans, we have the need to hear the words “You are forgiven” as a chance for us to continue on our faith journeys feeling connected to our God, who never disconnects from us.One of the best ways for you to prepare your child for this sacrament is to model forgiveness.
Our children learn about forgiveness when we forgive them, each other, and ourselves. It is also important to model how we approach others with the words “I’m sorry” and how we can also show our penitence through actions of love.
Rev. Avinash Colaco, Rector and Rev. Julian Studden of St. Mary's Cathedral want to assure you that we will be honoured to work with you and your child on this faith journey.
First Holy Communion
IMPORTANT: ALL CHILDREN RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST EUCHARIST MUST FIRST RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION.
Whenever our children prepare to receive a sacrament in the Catholic Church, it reminds us of how important our roles as teachers and role models are in their faith development. We strive to lead them to God and to full and active participation in the Church through our own examples of love, faith, and forgiveness. Fortunately, these are not tasks that we have to accomplish on our own, we have the support and example of our schools and parishes.
Each of the sacraments is a special encounter with Jesus Christ. Children whose faith enables them to distinguish between ordinary bread and the Body of Christ are ready to receive the Eucharist. At the baptism of your child you took on the responsibility of helping your child to know, love and follow Jesus. For First Communion your role as parents continues in the same way as the main teacher of your child, but as catechists we will be working along with you at meetings and a retreat and providing resources for you to use with your child throughout the preparation period.
Rev. Avinash Colaco, Rector and Rev Julian Studden, Assistant Rector of St. Mary's Cathedral want to assure you that we will be honoured to work with you and your child on this faith journey.
IMPORTANT: ALL CHILDREN RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST EUCHARIST MUST FIRST RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION.
Whenever our children prepare to receive a sacrament in the Catholic Church, it reminds us of how important our roles as teachers and role models are in their faith development. We strive to lead them to God and to full and active participation in the Church through our own examples of love, faith, and forgiveness. Fortunately, these are not tasks that we have to accomplish on our own, we have the support and example of our schools and parishes.
Each of the sacraments is a special encounter with Jesus Christ. Children whose faith enables them to distinguish between ordinary bread and the Body of Christ are ready to receive the Eucharist. At the baptism of your child you took on the responsibility of helping your child to know, love and follow Jesus. For First Communion your role as parents continues in the same way as the main teacher of your child, but as catechists we will be working along with you at meetings and a retreat and providing resources for you to use with your child throughout the preparation period.
Rev. Avinash Colaco, Rector and Rev Julian Studden, Assistant Rector of St. Mary's Cathedral want to assure you that we will be honoured to work with you and your child on this faith journey.
Registration
Registration is now open for Fall 2023 (First Reconciliation) and Spring 2024 (First Holy Communion) preparation classes.
| sacrament_registration_form_2023-2024__fillable_pdf_form_.pdf |
If you have any questions, would like more information on the preparation program for First Sacraments for children, would like to receive a form via email, please contact sacraments@stmaryscalgary.ca or call 403-228-4170.