Eucharistic Celebration for Parents and their Children Preparing for First Holy Communion

As is the practice every catechetical year in the parish of St. Therese, Salmiya, a special Eucharistic celebration was held on 24 and 25 November 2014 for the parents and children who will be receiving First Holy Communion in 2015. The theme of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist. A total of about 213 young children along with their parents attended on both days. The purpose of holding such sessions each year is to offer a brief catechesis to both parents and children on the meaning of the various parts of the Holy Mass and the importance of the Holy Eucharist which is the source and summit of the Christian life.

Fr. Franco Pereira sdb the celebrant of the Holy Eucharist on both days, is also the Catechetical Director for the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia. Father began by welcoming the parents and the children to this special Eucharistic celebration and stressed on the importance of parents being effective role models for their children and urging them to play an active role in preparing their children to receive this Sacrament of Sacraments. Father explained each part of the Holy Mass simply and effectively beginning from the moment we enter the church and sign ourselves with holy water to the final blessing. He walked us through each part of the celebration stopping at key moments to offer insight and explanation as to why we do what we do during the Holy Mass. He also spoke about the two options we have to receive Jesus in Holy Communion – on the tongue and on the palm and the right way to receive. 

The Liturgy of the Holy Mass, Father said, involves our whole being and most especially our senses of sight, hearing, touch and taste. He spoke about the two tables – the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist. The homily was based on the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus and was taken from the Gospel of Luke 24:13-35. Using this text Father explained how our encounter with Jesus at every celebration of the Holy Eucharist must mirror the experience of these two disciples who began their journey despondently but returned home excited, renewed, rejuvenated and became joyful witnesses of the risen Lord. 

At the end of the session I asked some of the children to share their thoughts on the Eucharistic Celebration; one young boy said that he attends Holy Mass often but this was different because Father explained everything very well. I also spoke to a couple of parents. One mother said it reminded her of her childhood days and another said that she was pleased to receive practical advice in preparing her child to receive First Holy Communion. 

Father spoke simply, powerfully and effectively explaining and beauty and the power of this Sacrament so both children and parents could understand the necessity of proper preparation in order to receive our Eucharistic Lord worthily. Everyone present went home richer for this unique experience that our parish makes available to the families of children preparing to receive Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion.

Preparation for the Gifts of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and The Eucharist

7th October 2011

Meeting held with catechists and Parents of children preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion

Dear Parents,

You are the domestic church and are responsible for bringing up your children in the faith. 

Here are some points which you must keep in mind with regard to preparing your children for this Sacrament of Sacraments.

Revere the importance of the Catechism and ensure that your children understand why it is imperative that they give importance to studying the lessons they are taught in class and to attend faithfully every Friday.

Prioritize wisely when it comes to choosing between spiritual and temporal matters.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life so ensure your children are well prepared spiritually.

The required prayers are to be taught to the children by the parents.  The involvement of the parents is of vital importance.

The instructions are given by the teachers the actual study is done at home under the supervision of the parents.

Pray the Daily Rosary - this is an important, excellent and easy way of memorising the common prayers.

The family being the domestic church has a great influence in raising faith filled children.

Ensure that children are appropriately dressed when they come to the Celebration of the Holy Mass.  They must be neatly and modestly dressed.

Meet with the catechism teacher of your child atleast once a month to check the child's progress.

Attendance is of vital importance as classes are only  held once weekly.

Make sure that you accompany your child to the Holy Mass celebrated specially for children before the Catechism class.

Take note that special Masses will be celebrated for the children receiving First Holy Communion as follows:

15 November 2011

Eucharist for Parents and Children of Communion Class

Theme:  Sacrament  of Reconciliation

10 January 2012

Eucharist for Parents and Children of Communion Class at St. Therese Church 7.15 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. by Fr.  Francis

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SPIRITUAL ORIENTATION 

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.  

Teach your children to hunger for the Eucharist.  Remember that catechesis is the sole responsibility of parents and it is your duty to hand down the faith to your children as it was faithfully handed down to you by your parents and grandparents.

Bear in mind that tremendous graces  have already been made available to you parents when you received the Sacrament of Marriage and when you brought your children to the Church to be Baptized.

Catechesis is a daily ongoing process.  It does not begin and end with the Catechism Class which is held only once a week and totally makes up only 35 hours.  

All  of us are called to help in the building of the Kingdom of God.  Don't  lose sight of this mission.  We are called to hand over the faith by word and, example through grace. As parents you can use all the celebrations and events that occur in your lives as a means to catechise your children.

Although both parents play a part in the spiritual upbringing of their children a mother's role is more hands on and is of vital importance in catechising her children.

Remember that your children are  being to prepared to receive two Sacraments

- The Sacrament of Reconciliation

- The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Ensure that your children are well prepared for both.

Live the prayers in your home.  Understand and explain in greater depth what your children are taught in class by using the resources that are readily and freely available through trusted Catholic sources on the net and through books.

Let your children see you attentive and prayerful at Holy Mass.  Once again remember it is imperative that you lead by example.

Receive the Holy Eucharist respectfully and reverently either on your tongue or your hand ensuring that you use the right method approved by the Church.

Do not make light of matters concerning the faith.  It is the moral responsibility of parents to foster vocations in the home.  Those who  serve in the Church come from families. 

Invoke the help of Mary our Mother and use  her as your model.

Take note of the changes in the New Revised Roman Missal so that you can explain the reasons for the changes to your children. We have already begun using the next texts  in the Gloria and the Nicene Creed on 7th October 2011.  The changes in its entirety will come into effect on the first Sunday in Advent.

God bless you.

FR. FRANCO PEREIRA SDB