First Reconciliation and First Eucharist at St. Gabriel
Registration for preparing for First Communion 2020-2021 is not yet open.
Dear families who prepared to received First Eucharist in May 2020,
GREAT NEWS! Children may now receive First Eucharist at Masses this coming summer.
Yes, it will be very different from what we have traditionally done. Please remember, though, that the most important part of this special day is and has always been receiving our Lord in the REAL PRESENCE of the EUCHARIST.
THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND MASS IS LIFTED STILL. This means that you do not need to attend Mass yet. Please don’t attend if you are ill, at high risk, or feel uncomfortable. There will be other opportunities to receive first Eucharist this summer (dates to be determined).
If your child would like to receive First Communion at one of the Masses below, you are required to use Sign Up Genius (linked below) so that we can maintain accurate records.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ:
-Masses are OUTSIDE on the school playground, as they have been the last 2 weekends. (If it rains, Masses may be held in the church).
-Bring chairs or blankets to sit on.
-The priest will give directions at Mass for receiving Communion. The Eucharist is being given on one species - the host. We encourage children to receive on the hand.
-Children sit with their families - at a safe social distance of 6+ feet from other families.
-As recommended by the CDC, please wear a mask.
-Wear your special First Communion outfits - IF YOU LIKE - not required.
-Bring your First Communion banner to hang on the chair you bring to sit in - IF YOU LIKE - not required.
-There will be no formal photographers. We encourage you to take photos after Mass. The Grotto is a beautiful spot.
Upcoming Mass options are below for receiving First Eucharist. If you wish to sign up, your child's FULL NAME must be included in the sign up.
View Mass dates and sign up here
Practice receiving First Communion with this short video
Please contact me with any questions you may have. I’m here to help.
God bless your family as your child prepares to receive Jesus in the Eucharist!
Kristen Rivera
Faith Formation Coordinator
krivera@stgabrielchurch.org
Las nuevas fechas para las Misas de Primera Comunión aquí
Escuela San Gabriel: Las nuevas fechas para las Misas de Primera Comunión aquí
Our Sacramental Preparation program helps parents—as their children’s primary educators—prepare their children for receiving the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
Children traditionally celebrate these sacraments as 2nd graders. To receive these sacraments in grades 3 and above, please visit our page on sacraments for older children and teens.
Registration for 2020-2021 is not yet open. Registration will be advertised in the bulletin and sent to eligible rising 2nd graders. Please note, a copy of the child's baptism certificate must be provided with the registration form - even if the child was baptized at St. Gabriel.
Pre-Requisites
To prepare for and receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, the Diocese of Charlotte requires that children:
- Be baptized
- Have completed 1st grade religious education and be currently enrolled in 2nd grade religious education (in either a Catholic church Faith Formation program or a Catholic school)
Registration
The completed registration form (for those who meet the pre-requisites above) is due in early September accompanied by:
- A materials fee of $45/child
- The child's baptismal certificate -- even if the child was baptized at St. Gabriel
Important notes:
- St. Gabriel School students will receive registration forms through their school teacher.
- Parents of 2nd grade St. Gabriel School students who are not registered in the parish but who wish for their child to prepare for and receive sacraments with their class must provide an authorization letter from their home parish’s pastor, in addition to a completed registration form and confirmation of baptism.
- Parents who are registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Catholic Church and whose 2nd grade children attend another Catholic school but want their children to prepare for and receive sacraments at St. Gabriel must obtain, complete and return a registration form, as well. In addition, they should notify the coordinator of the Sacramental Preparation at their children’s school that their child will not participate in that program.
Required Meetings and Workshops
All meeting and workshop dates will be provided well in advance.
First Reconciliation
- In the fall, parents must attend a meeting to receive materials and information about First Reconciliation.
- They will complete the materials with their child over the course of the next few months.
- The parent and child will attend a workshop as part of preparation for the sacrament.
First Eucharist
- In the spring, parents will attend a meeting to receive materials and information about First Eucharist.
- They will complete the materials with their child over the course of the next few months.
- The parent and child will attend a workshop and a rehearsal with their child as part of preparation for the sacrament and First Eucharist Mass.
Dates of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
- First Reconciliation: A communal penance service will be held in Advent.
- First Eucharist for 2nd grade students: Traditionally celebrated on the first Saturday in May.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Kristen Rivera at by email or at 704-362-5047, ext. 228.
The Act of Contrition Prayer
There are various versions of The Act of Contrition prayer, but the one that is taught to the 2nd grade students in both Faith Formation and St. Gabriel School classes is the one that will be said at the penance service.
It is as follows:
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You.
I detest all my sins because of your just punishments,
But most of all, because I have offended You, my God,
Who are good are deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace,
To confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.
Amen.
