Celebrating First Communion with Children

In Grade Two our students study the Mass in school. To complement this special preparation we invite the Grade Two students to receive First Communion.  Students from other grades are also welcome. 

First Communion dates for 2012 are:

• Saturday, April 14th @ 5:00pm
• Sunday, April 15th @ 9:00 & 11:00am
• Saturday, May 5th @ 5:00pm
• Sunday, May 6th @ 9:00 & 11:00am.

A limited number of families can be accommodated at each of the scheduled celebrations.  You can also choose to bring your child for First Communion at another Mass more suitable for your family.

The most important way to prepare your child for First Communion -- to approach the Lord's table and to be fed with the Bread of Life -- is by participating regularly with him/her in the Sunday Eucharist, which is celebrated each week on Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Sunday at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (from Sept. to April)

If you do not already have a “favourite” Mass at St. Michael's, we encourage you to experience them all. If other commitments make coming to Mass on the weekend impossible, plan to attend during the week: Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at 12:15 p.m., Thursday or Friday at 8:00 a.m.

If you already attend Mass regularly in another parish, we encourage you to continue to do so.  You may consider celebrating First Communion in that parish.  However, if you plan to celebrate with us here at St. Michael's Parish, please attend Sunday Mass here at least occasionally so that your child becomes familiar and comfortable with this parish community.

The First Communion Process

The immediate preparation for First Communion consists of a number of events and activities. At the parents' meetings you will be given the resources to prepare your child to receive the Sacrament.  

• Information/Preparation Meeting in October for Parents
• Enrollment Sunday in November includes Parents and Children
• Preparation Meeting in March for Parents
• Retreat Day the Wednesday before First Communion for Children and volunteer Parents.

Families who wish to celebrate Reconciliation before First Communion prepare for each sacrament separately.

If your child is not yet baptized, please contact the parish as soon as possible for information on how to proceed.

What Next?

If you are new to our faith community, consider walking with us for a while. Come to Mass regularly. Introduce yourself to the staff so you can get to know us and we can get to know you. See if this is the community where you and your child belong. If you are a long time member of the community or already know you belong here, continue to join us for Eucharist regularly.

In either case, watch for your invitation to participate, either through your school or through the church bulletin.   If you have further questions about First Communion, please contact Charlie Van Alphen at 519-884-9311 or click here to email Charlie.

Remember ... Faith is not taught, it's caught!