At the Last Supper, our Saviour gave to us the wonderful gift of the Eucharist as a continual reminder of His presence among us. For 2000 years the Catholic Faith has continued His mandate to “do this in memory of me,” teaching that the Eucharist is to be the source and summit of our life as Christians. It is part of our tradition to gather on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) in order to share the Eucharist in memory of the Lord Jesus who suffered and died for our redemption.
In the Eucharist, the bread and wine placed upon the altar are miraculously transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, allowing us a unique opportunity to
unite with the Lord Jesus. In the other six sacraments, God gives us a gift of grace; in the Holy Mass He gives us the gift of Himself. The Paschal Banquet is also a sign of unity and bond of charity for our community.
In First Communion, children continue their process of initiation by accepting the invitation to come to the table of the Lord. This is to be a special time in their faith journey when they experience the love of Christ in a deep and personal way.
For those of us who have already made our First Communion, every Eucharist is an opportunity to grow in friendship with Christ through this wonderful sacrament of love and pledge of future glory. We prepare for reception of Holy Communion, by celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation as frequently as necessary and by keeping the requisite one hour fast.
1 – Preparing Children For First Communion
At St. Rose of Lima sacramental preparation is in accord with the Sacramental Norms of the Archdiocese of Toronto. For First Communion, we follow the programme, “Invited to the Feast,” in preparing our young. Children who have not been baptized as well as children who attend public or private schools are required to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC).
Requirements :
You are a regular worshipping member of the parish community at St. Rose of Lima.
The candidates must have participated in the Parish Reconciliation programme, “Celebrating God’s Love,” as well as celebrated their First Reconciliation.
What’s Involved – How Does It Work?
Parents are required to attend an information meeting in the parish hall.
Parents must also attend a Catechetical Session on the Sacrament of the Eucharist helping them to better understand this sacrament so they might enter more fully into its mystery.
Parents are required to attend a Family Gathering with their son/daughter where they participate in various activities aimed at deepening their understanding of the Eucharist.
Children along with their parents will be expected to attend an Enrolment ceremony during one of the Sunday Masses.
Celebration of the sacrament occurs during Sunday liturgy.
For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 416-438-6729.