Parents are the first teachers of their children in the faith. The participation, example and support of parents is absolutely essential to the faith development of children. By offering assistance in the preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist our parish community seeks to support parents and offer them the context of a loving community of faith in which to nurture their child’s faith life. Our parish Catholic schools also play an important role in this preparation. Our Grade 2 teachers offer excellent catechesis (instruction) on the Sacraments throughout the entire program.

The following information is provided to those families who will be celebrating the Sacraments at Holy Cross Parish in the coming year. More detailed information is shared with the parents.

Registration for the Sacraments
In the Fall each family was asked to complete an Intention Form indicating to the parish whether their child would be celebrating the Sacraments with Holy Cross Parish this year. In January families will receive more information regarding the celebration of First Eucharist.

Commitment Celebrations
In the month of February children and their parents will gather after the 12 Noon Mass for a Commitment Celebration. Parents may attend the day designated for their child’s school or any other Sunday which may be more convenient for the family. The Commitment Celebration will consist of an introduction to the parish church ... sort of a “church tour” ... and a Rite of Enrollment of children as candidates for First Eucharist.

Older Children
The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are often celebrated in Grade 2. Older children who have not celebrated these Sacraments are prepared to receive them by our parish staff and their parents. The celebration for older students take place when their preparation is complete. Generally, these children do not celebrate with the Grade 2 classes.

First Reconciliation Celebrations
Children will have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time in the month of November. Parents may choose to have their child celebrate the Sacrament any Saturday afternoon at the regularly scheduled time.

First Eucharist Celebrations
Parents will receive the schedule of First Eucharist celebrations. We try to accommodate one class per Mass. The celebration of First Eucharist is a parish celebration. Parents are encouraged to celebrate the Sacrament in the parish community where they regularly attend Sunday Mass.