First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

The seven sacraments are central to the life of a Catholic Christian. We believe we experience God’s love and graces in the reception of all the sacraments.  In order to receive the sacraments in St. Catharine parish, families including children must be registered parishioners at St. Catharine's. Children must have received the sacrament of baptism.
Communion is generally celebrated for our students during their 2^nd grade year.  1^st grade is spent introducing the concepts that prepare children for this sacrament.  During 2^nd grade the Sacrament of Reconciliation precedes the Sacrament of Communion. 

• Sacrament of Reconciliation DATE: Saturday February 2, 2019 11am (last names A-L) & 1:30pm (last names M-Z) (Church)
  • SNOW DATE: Saturday February 9, 2019 11am (last names A-L) & 1:30pm (last names M-Z)
• Parent First Reconciliation Meeting: October 16 ^th at 7:30pm OR October 17 ^th at 7:30pm (Community Hall)
• Reconciliation Experience: (Church and Community Hall)

• First Communion Dates:

First Communion Date/Time	Rehearsal Date/Time
Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 11am Liturgy	Thursday, April 25 - 3:30pm to 4:45pm
Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11:00am  Liturgy	Wednesday, May 1 - 3:30pm to 4:45pm
Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 2pm Liturgy	Thursday, May 2 - 3:30pm to 4:45pm
Sunday, May 5, 2019 at the parish Noon Liturgy	Thursday, May 2 – 5:15pm to 6:30pm

*Sign ups went out beginning of January.

• Parent First Eucharist Meeting:  February 5, 2019 OR February 6, 2019 at 7:30pm (Community Hall) Parents must attend one meeting.
• First Eucharist Experience: (Church and Community Hall) Online Sign up will go out in February, Candidate and one parent must attend one session.):
  • March 9th - 11:00am to 12:30pm  
  • March 16th - 11:00am to 12:30pm
• Communion Rite of Choice Mass (for candidate and parent):
  • March 16 - 5:30pm - AoOL Students: Ms. Folco and Mrs. Spezia's Classes
  • March 17 - 10am - Monday CCD Students: Mrs. Carbone and Mrs. Reinartz's classes
  • March 17 - 12pm - Sunday Family Catechesis 2nd graders: Ms. Crifo, Mrs. Gilmartin and Mrs Pucci's classes.
• Communion Practice: (Church)

First Communion Date/Time	Rehearsal Date/Time
Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11:00am Liturgy	Wednesday, May 1 - 3:30pm to 4:45pm
Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 2pm Liturgy	Thursday, May 2 - 3:30pm to 4:45pm
Sunday, May 5, 2019 at the parish Noon Liturgy	Thursday, May 2 – 5:15pm to 6:30pm

• Girls should wear white or pastel colored dresses and veils or flowers in their hair.  Color of shoes and socks is optional.  In the past, most of the girls have worn white dresses and veils.  They may also carry flowers if they wish.
• Boys may wear any suit color or sports jacket with slacks.  The color of shoes, shirt and tie is optional.  Traditionally, most boys have worn blue suits.  Boutonnieres may be worn in their lapels.

As First Communion Day approaches teachers will begin to practice with the children how to receive the Host and hold the Chalice. Children will practice with unblessed hosts. Gluten free hosts are available for practice, First Communion, and at every mass.
  Each family will be assigned one pew which will fit approximately 6-8 people, including the child and parents.  Parents and children should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony.  Additional family and friends may sit in any unreserved pew. Please remind family and friends that photographs are not permitted during the liturgy. There will be ample time afterwards to take pictures.