GIFT - 9

First Eucharist

A. Parish Directives

Preparation for First Communion involves regular attendance at weekend Mass, attendance

for a minimum of two years in our children's faith formation program, and special learning

sessions on the Sunday of the month when the GIFT event and regular faith formation classes

are not happening. Parent directed home classes will also be required.

B. Diocesan Directives

The preparation and celebration of the Eucharist are governed by Canon Law and approved liturgical texts relevant to the Eucharist. The Sacrament of the Eucharist is integrally connected with the other Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism and Confirmation that are required for full initiation (CCC 842:1).

C. Theology

The Eucharist is the central sacramental action of the Church. As sacrament, it is the source and summit of all preaching found in the Gospels. Jesus present in the Eucharist is an active and effective sign of God's covenant with the people. As described in the Acts of the Apostles (2:42), the early Christian community "devoted themselves to the apostles' instruction and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and prayers." They recognized the presence and spirit of the Risen Christ through prayer, song and the communal life. These first Christians believed the Eucharist was a sign and the reality of Jesus' presence within the assembly.

Throughout the ages the heart of the Church's teaching on the Eucharist has been the fact of the real presence of Jesus as the central Eucharistic teaching. "The Most Holy Eucharist is the most august sacrament by which Christ the Lord himself is contained, offered, and received by which the Church constantly lives and grows. The Eucharistic Sacrifice, the memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord, in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated over the centuries, is the summit and source of all Christian worship and life; it signifies and effects the unity of the people of God and achieves the building up of the Body of Christ. . ."

(CCL-897). It provides nourishment for Christians to live the Christian lifestyle in the current world community. Through participation and communion in the Eucharist Christians become the body and blood of Christ in the world.

(Taken from the Guidelines for Sacramental Catechesis for the Diocese of Pueblo)

Whole Parish Event - The Mass

Lessons by Grade Level - Parent Class I (all parents) - Book Fair in the gym for all parents - Preschool through High School

2nd grade Sacramental Preparation Class - with Parents in the gym

Whole Parish Event - We Believe in the Church

Home Class - Chapter 2; Reconciliation

Lessons by Grade Level

2nd grade Sacramental Preparation Class

Lessons by Grade Level

Home Class - Chapter 4; Reconciliation

Whole Parish Event - We Believe in the Communion of Saints and

Life Everlasting

Lessons by Grade Level - Parent Class II (all parents)

2nd grade Sacramental Preparation Class

Lessons by Grade Level

2nd grade Sacramental Preparation Class with Parents

Celebration of First Reconciliation, 6:30pm - All families with children

Lessons by Grade Level

Whole Parish Event - We Believe in Jesus

Lessons by Grade Level

2nd grade Sacramental Preparation Class

Lessons by Grade Level

2nd grade Sacramental Preparation Class

Home Class - Chapter 5; Eucharist

Lessons by Grade Level

2nd grade Sacramental Preparation Class

Whole Parish Event - We Believe in Jesus' Death & Resurrection

Home Class - Chapter 8; Eucharist

Lessons by Grade Level

2nd grade Sacramental Preparation Class - with Parents

Celebration of First Communion, 5:30pm Mass

Lessons by Grade Level

Whole Parish Event - We Believe in the Holy Spirit

Vacation Bible School

Whole Parish Event - We Believe in Go

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