Learn more about mission of the Department of Evangelization & Catechesis here.

 

Preparation for and celebration of the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are experienced within the life of the child's parish community and the life of the child's family.  Whether a child attends a Catholic School, a charter school, a private school, a public school or home school; sacramental preparation and the sacrament celebrations happen in the parish community where the family is a member and attends Mass. 

AGES:Children generally celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time in 2nd grade.  

PARISH PREPARATION: Children need to be enrolled and participating in comprehensive catechesis (parish catechesis classes or Catholic School religion classes) for two years immediately prior to reception of the Sacrament.  First grade would be considered Year 1 and Second grade would be considered Year 2.
 
Austin Diocese Guidelines: Any baptized Catholic child who has reached the age of reason (7 years of age and attended religious education classes in the first grade and is now in the second grade) is eligible to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist, usually referred to as First Communion.

During the second year of preparation,  families will participate in their parish sacramental preparation program.  The program at St. Theresa Parish includes parent/child retreats as well as working together with their child at home to complete a workbook for each sacrament . 

FAMILY PREPARATION:  "Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instructions. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2226).

Pope John Paul II continually encouraged the renewal of the domestic church. "By virtue of their ministry of educating, parents are through the witness of their lives the first heralds of the gospel for their children. Furthermore, by praying with their children, by reading the word of God with them and by introducing them...into the Body of Christ—both the eucharistic and the ecclesial body—they become fully parents, in that they are begetters not only of bodily life, but also of the life that through the Spirit's renewal flows from the cross and resurrection of Christ." (Familiaris Consortio, #39).

Growing up in a Catholic home where believing, knowing, and experiencing God as part of everyday life has helped prepare your child and your family for reception of the sacraments. The many ways you have loved, cared for, shared meals with, and demonstrated forgiveness communicate the unconditional love of God to your child. Listed below are more ways to intentionally prepare your child for reception of the sacraments.

• Have faith conversations about what you child is learning in his or her catechesis sessions either at school or in the parish and make sure your child attends as many of these sessions as possible.
• Joyfully and wholeheartedly participate in the sacrament preparation program (retreats and home based activities) with your child; as together you learn and reflect about God’s grace and merciful love.
• Give Sunday Mass the greatest priority in your family faith life.
• Participate in parish life, especially children’s ministry opportunities – Liturgy of the Word With Children, Liturgical Prayer Services during Catechesis Class time, Vacation Bible School.
• Pray together daily as a family.  Include prayers spoken aloud to aid your child’s heart to be open to receive the grace of the Sacraments.
• Make time for you and your child to share God’s love with others through service experiences.

SACRAMENT POLICIES

OLDER CHILDREN: If your child is older than 2nd grade and has not yet received these Sacraments, know that your child is welcome at St. Theresa and we look forward to working with your family to discern the best formation process for him/her.  Depending on your child, this may be RCIA adapted for children. Please take a moment to learn more about RCIA and then contact Amy Allert at amy-allert@sttaustin.org.