The Archbishop of Milwaukee, in accordance with Canon Law, mandates that, before a child can enter the First Eucharist preparation process, they must complete the preparation for First Reconciliation. That is why the preparation for both sacraments takes place in second grade, with First Reconciliation in the fall and First Eucharist in the spring.
Here at St. Robert Parish, the preparation for these two sacraments is done in an all-parish program involving families whose children attend parochial school and those whose children attend public school. It is a family-centered program in which parents play a very important role in their child's formation. It consists of three major components:
I. Large Group Preparation Sessions
Wednesday evening preparation sessions require the participation of both the children and their parents. Instructions and formation are provided at that time.
II. Home Study Materials
Much of the spiritual preparation for the sacrament is to be done by the families themselves. The idea is to help families create opportunities to pray, to discuss and to do activities that nurture their children's faith.
III. Liturgical Celebrations
The culmination of this preparation processes is the celebration of the sacrament at a regular weekend liturgy, the first weekend in Mary (with the exception of the 5:30 pm Mass). It is important for parents to consider that, while their child's first celebration of the Eucharist is important, it is just as important that their children view this as just the beginning of celebrating this sacrament regularly.
First Eucharist Preparation Schedule Spring 2010
Wednesday, February 10: First Eucharist orientation meeting for parents and children;
6:30 pm; church basement
Wednesday, March 10: Families receive their banner kits at a parent/child meeting;
6:30 pm; Reilly Hall
April 18-19: Children return their completed chalices
Wednesday, April 28: First Eucharist practices (different time slot for each of the three Masses)
May 1-2: Celebration of First Eucharist at weekend liturgies (4:30 pm, 8:30 am, and 11:00 am)
Sunday, May 9: Families take their banners home when they come for May Crowning…
*Reilly Hall is located in the basement of St. Robert School and was formerly called the MPR (Multi-Purpose Room).
For more information about the First Eucharist Preparation Program, please call Gail DeFrancisco at 332-1164 Ext. 3032.
