If you have any questions, please call Megan at 330-653-6512 ext. 248.
ST. MARY CHURCH SACRAMENTAL POLICY
2ND GRADE PARTICIPANTS AND FAMILIES
First Reconciliation / First Eucharist
Instituted by Jesus Christ, the sacraments are signs of grace. The Church has been entrusted to celebrate the sacraments and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, prepare its community for divine life. The rites we celebrate as individuals and as the Church make present God’s graces and strengthen and express faith. As an individual, receiving sacramental life means receiving the fruit of life for God in Jesus Christ; and participating in sacramental life as a church, means receiving the fruit of mission and witness.
The preparation of the Sacraments, especially in a child, must not be taken lightly, and demands and deserves the focus from all supporting parties. We are, in essence, preparing each child for eternal life with God through Jesus Christ. The Church offers, to the best of its ability, the instruction through trained catechists and classroom functions; readiness through retreats, parent classes and meetings; and the execution of the sacramental rites. The students are encouraged to participate fully in all activities, complete homework assignments, and attend required events. However, the preparation process is not complete until the families gather around the children, re-evaluate their own faith journeys and receive guidance so they may better and properly influence their children.
No child can further a relationship with Jesus through the Sacraments
without this circle of love and support.
Taken in part from the
Catechism of the Catholic Church &
the Diocese of Cleveland
In order for a child to participate in First Reconciliation and First Communion along with the entire 2nd grade class, the following must be adhered to by the required due dates. In the event any part of this policy is unavoidably incomplete, it is the responsibility of the PARENT to make initial and immediate contact with the Parish School of Religion for make-up meetings/instructions or paperwork.
· must be an active student in the St. Mary PSR program and the family must be registered parishioners. If the student attends a Catholic school, the family must also be enrolled as parishioners of St. Mary.
· may not be homeschooled for the Sacramental year.
· may not miss more than three(3) PSR classes prior to each Sacrament. In the event of any absence, the parent must make contact with the teacher (either by phone or in person the week following the absence) to receive any make-up materials. The child MUST complete those assignments (not applicable if child is attending a Catholic School.)
· must attend the Instructional Mass with a parent(s). In the event of a conflict, it is the responsibility of the family to contact the PSR office for make-up opportunities.
· must attend BOTH the First Reconciliation Retreat and the First Communion Retreat. In the event of an illness or other emergency causing absence, parent is responsible to contact the PSR office for make-up materials.
· must complete BOTH the First Reconciliation take-home book and First Communion take-home book and return the completed books as instructed (provided at registration and the First Communion parent meeting.)
· must complete a First Reconciliation Poster (instructions provided at the First Reconciliation Parent Meeting/Workshop.)
· must complete a First Communion banner as instructed (supplies and instructions provided at the First Communion Parent Meeting/Workshop.)
By devoting this pivotal year to enriching our own lives, we better prepare our children to do the same. St. Mary Parish School of Religion, along with the Pastoral Staff, is here to assist and support the families through this process. It is their endeavor to bring each child closer to God and to become a more active member of the Church family.