Parent and Child Sessions

Parent and Child Sessions for First Holy Communion

The Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children. In the words of the Second Vatican Council: “Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators. This role in education is so important that only with difficulty can it be supplied where it is lacking.”

The following Parent and Child sessions are intended to actualize the teaching of the Church in a practical way at St. Margaret Parent. The ultimate purpose of all of this, after all, is the salvation of each child’s eternal soul. Each of the four sessions has a different aim, which will help in accomplishing this purpose. We would ask that at least one parent attend each session with their child. You will find that appropriate preparation for First Holy Communion can only happen when we all work together to dispose ourselves to the grace of God.

The Parent and Child Sessions are shorter. They end at 7:00 p.m. so that families can attend the Wednesday Evening Mass at our parish. We strongly recommend it. If the eventual desire is for the children to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, we know that only Jesus Christ can fully prepare them. So, by the greatest prayer that exists, the Holy Mass, we sanctify our preparation for receiving the Sacraments. On days where only children are required to attend, the Wednesday Evening Mass still takes place. You may attend while your child is in class and pray for them there to understand the gift that Jesus gives to them.

Session I: Opening Informational Session
At this session, the parents and children will receive an introduction into the Sacraments
of Penance and the Eucharist and an overview of what is going to happen this year.

Session II: Family Preparation for First Penance
There is an intrinsic connection between the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist. At this session, parents and children will prepare for the child’s first confession, which will take place during the parish’s Advent Penance Service (date to be announced).

Session III: Regular Penance and the Holy Mass
Catholics are required by Church Law to confess mortal sins at least once every year, but holiness can only happen by regular confession, even weekly. At this session, parents and children will be prepared to make a second confession during the Lenten Season during the regular confession times before Mass. This will help children to understand the regular practice. There will also be teaching given on the beauty and truth of the Holy Mass.

Session IV: Final Preparation for First Holy Communion
The time for the child’s First Holy Communion will be fast approaching. We will gather for prayer, teaching, and spiritual preparation for reception of the Most Blessed Sacrament, God in our midst.