OLC
FIRST RECONCILIATION
AND
FIRST HOLY EUCHARIST
A Guide for Parents and Students
Dana D. Callan-Farley, Pastoral Associate
WELCOME!
Today’s Meeting
 Prayer
 Requirements for this program.
 Why does the Church offer First Eucharist and First
Reconciliation at this time in the development of a person?
 The Scope and Sequence of the Curriculum
 Attendance Expectations and Calendar
 Questions you may have
OPENING PRAYER
 Eternal Father, who gave your only-begotten
Son for the salvation of all and especially for the
salvation of little ones, we humbly beseech you
to send your Spirit to prepare the hearts of these
children here today to receive your Son at their
First Holy Communion and to renew the strength
of their parents to fulfill their dearest
responsibility of nurturing the eucharistic faith of
their children. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever.
 AMEN.
REQUIREMENTS
 OLC Membership (exception: must receive permission from
the parish you attend)
 Baptismal Certificate (if you were baptized at OLC, you
don’t have to get a certificate)
 Paperwork
 Attendance
 $60
 Student must make First Reconciliation before they will be
allowed to make First Eucharist.
FAMILY EXPECTATIONS
 Complete the Family Guide Activities
 Pray with your child
 Attend Mass
 Communicate any issues
WHY NOT AT OLC SCHOOL?
School religious instruction is primarily
academic – oriented towards grades.
There are no grades in this program.
Increase the connection between the public
school students and the OLC students.
Increase the relationship of all students to
OLC Parish Community.
WHY NOW?
 St. Thomas Aquinas and the “Age of Reason”
… Generally identified at 7 years of age
… A deeper understanding of “right and wrong”
… The ability to identify and acknowledge sorrow
 Practices in Catholicism
… Reconciliation (Confession) always precedes First Holy
Eucharist
… Many programs last two years or longer; others are much
shorter – there is no requirement, each parish determines their
own program.
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Saturday Meetings: Will focus on faith
formation and community building.
 Wednesday Meetings: Will focus on faith literacy
and understanding the essential “facts” about
the sacraments, preparation for sacraments,
and practicing the key components of the
participating in the sacraments.
SCHEDULING AND CALENDAR
All Classes will be held on Saturdays and Wednesdays (see
calendar), with the exceptions of:
 First Reconciliation
 The Saturday before Palm Sunday (March 31,
2012) - 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 First Eucharist
 Rehearsal – May 19; 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.Required
meeting
 Reception – 12:30 p.m. Mass on May 20, 2012
ATTENDANCE
 The parish expectation is students attend
ALL the meetings.
 We acknowledge that circumstances occur
that prevents attendance.
 The schedule was developed with family
activities in mind, e.g. Easter Break.
 Communication is key.
QUESTIONS?