First Holy Communion and Reconciliation

FIRST COMMUNION CHECKLIST:

•         Complete preparation for First Reconciliation
•          Child did First Reconciliation on 12-7-19, or made up at a later date
•          Submit copy of Baptism certificate to St. Andrew’s
•          Pick up your child’s First Communion textbook from the Parish Office (The parish office is open M-F from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  I can also leave the book outside in our office foyer for pick up after hours.)
•          Complete preparation for First Communion at home (resources listed on the First Communion page of our website)
•       Take your child to participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation before they receive the sacrament of First Communion (optional but suggested). While we are still in quarantine, confession is available here at the Church; Mondays and Thursdays from 12:45-2:00 pm in the Chapel. Saturdays from 3:00-4:30 pm in the Chapel.
•          Watch the live stream of our 10:00 am Sunday Mass, either on Facebook or the RCS green channel (links on our website). This is a great way for your child to see what’s happening on the altar ‘up close and personal’.
• Obtain your child’s First Communion dress or suit. Click for examples of BOYS and GIRLS attire.

Dear First Communion Families,

Father Kevin is very close to approving a date (or dates) for our children to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.  We are waiting just a couple of more days, to hear how the Commonwealth's Phase 2 will impact any Diocesan guidelines that we would be required to follow.

The Parish Office is closed until Thursday, June 11, and all staff are working from home, but I do have access to my email and the website.  I know there are several First Communion textbooks that have still not been picked up from the Parish Office.  Additionally, there are several outstanding baptismal certificates, and there are several children who never completed their First Reconciliation that took place back in December.  Believe me, as a mom of four, I know what you're dealing with as far as managing difficult schedules for multiple children.  However, if your child. . .

• Has not done their sacramental preparation (which was assigned to the families to complete at home),
• Has not submitted a copy of their baptismal certificate (a prerequisite for receiving any other sacraments, per Canon Law),
• Has not done their confession with a priest (should be done before First Communion),

. . . then they will not be eligible to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion this year, and it will be delayed until later this year, or even next spring.  Therefore, I urge you to please make these things priorities.  I know it's difficult to plan ahead for this when the church hasn't even been able to set a date, but please attend to this.

If you need to pick up your child's textbook from the Parish Office, remember that you can't come and get it until June 11 or later.  Please email me with any questions or concerns, especially about making up Reconciliation.
 

Click HERE for "AT HOME RESOURCES for Instruction"

First Communion Parent Meeting POWER POINT from March 5
 

DIOCESAN POLICY

In a recent communication from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, we were given the required Diocesan policies for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. St. Andrew's is in compliance with these general principles and policies that have been mandated. Participation in the sacraments is a shared responsibility of parents, catechists, and the church itself, which is the assembly of believers united in Christ. The following is a general overview of how this process occurs within our parish. In the event that your young person has not completed preparation and/or received a particular sacrament, and you are concerned, you should contact the assigned coordinator. It is your responsibility to contact these individuals for further instructions.

FIRST RECONCILIATION and FIRST HOLY COMMUNION - Children preparing for these sacraments should be concurrently enrolled in Sunday morning Christian Formation, or at Roanoke Catholic School. Preparation for sacraments is offered in addition to the above mentioned faith formation. Please see Christian Formation calendar for specific dates. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church "Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time." (CCC 1457) Readiness for children to begin preparation for these sacraments is determined in part by:        

(For Reconciliation)

• Has been baptized
• Has reached the age of reason (7 years old)
• Can distinguish between right and wrong
• Can distinguish between mistakes and accidents
• Is able to express sorrow for sin
• Has the ability to forgive others
• Prays at home and at Mass
• Is able to relate to Jesus as one who forgives

(For First Holy Communion)

• Has been baptized
• Has reached the age of reason (7 years old)
• Is interested in receiving the sacrament
• Feels like they belong to the Catholic community
• Participates in Sunday Mass
• Prays at home and at Mass
• Has the ability to relate to Jesus as one who loves
• Has prepared for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation