Second Grade is a big year for Sacraments.
Your child is to receive his/her Sacraments at your home parish. If you
would like to have your child receive his/her Sacraments at STM, and STM is
not your home parish, please contact Marie Trujillo- your pastor MUST write a
letter stating it is ok for your child to participate at STM ASAP.
RECONCILIATION
In February we will celebrate Reconciliation, also known as First
Confession, or Penance. Throughout the beginning of the year the children
will be learning different prayers associated with Penance, as well as how
to go about it. Please practice these prayers regularly with your child. We
strongly urge that parents and other families members make an effort to go
to Reconciliation so that the students know it is expected and not scary.
Family involvement is key during this stage of development. Show your kids
through your actions that Sacraments are an important part of their life,
not just something to "get over with".
Non-Catholic students will also be required to learn the prayers associated
with Reconciliation. They will not, however, need to attend. There will be a
retreat for First Reconciliation scheduled a few weeks before Reconciliation.
It is MANDATORY that any child receiving First Reconciliation and AT LEAST ONE
PARENT attend this retreat. Important information will be given at this time.
Non-Catholic students may attend the retreat, but it is not a requirement.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
First Holy Communion, or First Eucharist, will be celebrated in early May.
Throughout the year the children will be learning about, and growing in,
their faith. It is important that you be there for your child to assist them
on this grand journey. Part of your responsibility to is to make sure you go
to Mass each Sunday. Starting in February we will really begin to
concentrate on the meaning of the Eucharist, and begin practicing for First
Holy Communion. This is a an important event in your child's life. As with
Reconciliation, there will be a mandatory retreat for all students receiving
1st Holy Communion. A parent MUST be present. Non-Catholic students are
welcome to attend, but it is not a requirement. 1st Holy Communion will be
celebrated on a Saturday. More information will be given closer to that time.
We look forward to being a part of your child's faith journey. Please do not
hesitate to ask if you have any questions, but rest assured we will cover
everything you need to know before the actual event.
WHILE WE PREPARE FOR RECONCILIATION / FIRST HOLY EUCHARIST
Your child's purple Reconciliation book or yellow Eucharist book will come
home every Friday while we study for Reconciliation or First Holy
Communion.(January / February / March / April) Please do one of the
activities on the Faith at Home pages throughout the book. THIS BOOK MUST
RETURN TO SCHOOL ON MONDAY!
