August 2015
Dear Parents,
This year is a very special time for you and your child who will be receiving the Sacraments of First
Reconciliation and First Communion. You have already been preparing your child to live a sacramental life, but now you will journey with your child in a more intentional preparation before the day arrives for the reception of these Sacraments. You have the awesome responsibility to help your child to prepare for the Sacraments. The children will understand the love of God from the love they experience from you. All the Sacraments are an expression of God's love. You can show your child a love of forgiveness and selfsacrifice. Your faith is a gift from God to be shared with your child.
OLBH Preparation Program Overview and Expectations:
 Open to all children entering the 2 nd grade and older.
 Families are to attend mass regularly.
 Children are to attend Sunday faith formation classes regularly.
 Parents are the primary catechists in preparing their children to receive the Sacraments, and are supported with curriculum and group gatherings to nurture this preparation period. o OLBH supports the Sacrament preparation by giving families a child workbook and accompanying family guide to help the parents lead scripture lessons and church doctrine. o Parents are to attend four parent meetings, where deeper meditation is offered on scripture and church doctrine. These meetings are tailored to adults. o Parents and children will gather together for two catechist lead lessons from the curriculum. Families will be paired with another First Communion family as a faithpartner, and will meet together to complete one or more curriculum lessons together as your schedules align. o Parents and children are to attend two retreats
 Sacramental preparation begins in October and will complete in May. Please see the schedule listed on the back of this letter. o Families are asked to participate in Holy Week liturgies.
Please join us for a parent meeting for elementary faith formation and Sacrament preparation on
Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 6:30 PM, in the basement of OLBH. At this meeting we will give an overview of Elementary Faith Formation, First Reconciliation/First Communion Sacrament Preparation, and answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Megan Hamer
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Telephone: 787-5168 or E-mail: megan.hamer@olbh.org
Visit the Parish website www.olbh.org

***If you are unable to attend a date listed, please contact Megan Hamer at 787-5168 or megan.hamer@olbh.org, to set up a review session.
Date Location Event
September:
Wednesday, September 16 OLBH Basement
October:
Wednesday, October 7 OLBH Basement
Wednesday, October 21
Sunday, October 25
OLBH Basement
Mass
Elementary Faith Formation/Sacrament Preparation Overview 6:30 pm
1 st First Reconciliation parent meeting 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
Catechist supported Reconciliation Lesson 1 6:30 pm (Parent & Child)
Rite of Enrollment Mass 9:00 am & 6:00 pm
(***First Communion families will profess their intention to enter into preparation for the Sacraments as a group)
November:
Wednesday, November 18
January:
Sunday, January 3
OLBH Basement 2 nd First Reconciliation parent meeting 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Saturday, January 9
Wednesday, January 20
February:
OLBH
OLBH
OLBH Basement
First Reconciliation Retreat 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
(***lunch will be provided)
First Reconciliation Celebration -- 9:00am
(***cookie and punch reception to follow)
3 rd First Communion parent meeting 6:30 pm -7:45 pm
Wednesday, February 24
March:
Sunday, March 20
Thursday, March 24
Friday, March 25
OLBH Basement
Mass
Mass
Mass
4 th First Communion parent meeting 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
Palm Sunday
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Saturday, March 26
Sunday, March 27
April:
Sunday, April 3
Friday, April 29
Mass
Mass
Easter Vigil
Easter
Terra Sancta Retreat Center First Communion Retreat 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
OLBH First Communion Processional Practice, Group Photo &
Reconciliation 6:30 pm - 8:00pm
Saturday, April 30 Mass First Communion Celebration 5:00 pm
(***Dinner and reception to follow)
May:
Sunday, May 1 Mass First Communion Celebration 9:00am
(***Brunch and reception to follow)