OUR LADY OF SORROWS

CATHOLIC CHURCH

PETAWAWA, ONTARIO

PARENT HANDBOOK

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

for

FIRST RECONCILIATION

and

FIRST EUCHARIST

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church

Parent Handbook – First Reconciliation/First Eucharist

“The parish community must continue to be the prime mover and pre-eminent place for catechesis.” Pope John Paul II

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (# 2223) states:

Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children…

Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children.

The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost

impossible to provide an adequate substitute. (# 2221)

Parent Handbook

The catechists are here to assist you in your role as primary educator of your child. This handbook is intended to provide information about the sacramental preparation of children in our parish and your role in that preparation. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at 613-687-4764 and leave a message for a catechist to call you.

Attendance

Parents are expected to make a serious commitment to see that their children attend each scheduled class. If an unforeseen situation occurs and your child must miss a class, the parent should call the Parish Office and leave a detailed message explaining the problem. Since attendance is one of the indicators of readiness for receiving a sacrament, parents will be contacted by the Religious Education Coordinator if the child misses two meetings during the year. In some cases, a test may be necessary to determine if the child is ready to receive the sacraments.

Note: Hockey practices, games, tournaments, skating practices, Brownie sleep-overs, etc. are not legitimate reasons for missing a class.

Curriculum

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish is presently using the Family Formation Sacramental Program.

Discipline

If a child becomes disruptive in class and then refuses to heed the teacher’s charitable advice to correct this behaviour, the student will be asked to meet with the Religious Education Coordinator. On the second occasion of such disruptive behaviour and refusal to cooperate, the parent(s) and student will be asked to meet with the Religious Education Coordinator. If the disruptive behaviour occurs for the third time, a parent will be asked to remain in the child’s class during instruction.

Fees

The cost to parents for the books used for the preparation for First Reconciliation is $10.00 and those used for First Eucharist is also $10.00. The parish will assume the remainder of the costs for any materials required.

Parent Meetings

Meetings are scheduled throughout the period of preparation for parents in order to provide them with the necessary background and information to help their children prepare to receive these sacraments. A mandatory two-hour retreat will be held for parents and children before the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and also before the reception of the Sacrament of Eucharist. It is mandatory that at least one parent (or legal guardian) attend these meetings and the retreats.

Attending Mass

All children enrolled in the program are required to attend Mass each Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation (Christmas and New Years Day). Parents who are Catholic are also required to attend Mass each Sunday with their children. This aspect of the program is very important and must be taken seriously. Therefore, a Children's weekly attendance Passport will be provided which must be initialed by one of our catechists at the end of Mass.

Role of the Parents

As well as ensuring that the children attend Mass and the scheduled classes, parents are expected to assist the children with the workbook provided. Catechists are available for help if questions arise. Contact the Parish Office for help.

Role of the School

Our catechists and Religious Education Coordinator work closely with the teachers and Principal of Our Lady of Sorrows School. The teachers assist in the preparation of the children in many ways, helping them to memorize prayers, teaching about the sacraments, teaching about the Mass, visiting the church, etc.

Memorization

The students will be expected to memorize certain prayers, such as:

Our Father

Hail Mary

Glory Be

Act of Contrition

Grace before Meals

How to pray the Rosary

Parents are asked to give the assistance needed to help your child at home. Suggestions will be given at parent meetings to help with this, and copies of the prayers and questions will be available.

Parish Registration

Please note that filling out registration forms for your child to begin sacramental preparation does not automatically register your family in the parish. It is very important that you fill out a registration form for Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. Registering is the best way to acquire a sense of belonging in our Parish Community.

Note: If you are registered in or are in attendance at another Parish Community, you must celebrate these sacraments with that community.

Parent Commitment Form

Parents with children in a sacramental preparation program will be asked to sign a Parent’s Commitment Form. Due to the limited time that we meet with your child, it is necessary for you to help us in reinforcing what is taught in the classes and to help with any memorization required. A copy of the form is attached.

Catechetical Team

All members of the Catechetical Team have been screened according to Diocesan protocol and pledge to be faithful in the commitment to teaching and forming your children in the Catholic faith. We thank you for sharing your children with us. It allows us the privilege of sharing, teaching and learning more about our Catholic faith.

IF YOU DON’T DO IT AT HOME, IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.