LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, 
As we forgive those who trespass against us. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

HAIL MARY
Hail Mary, full of grace
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed are you
among women, 
And blessed is the fruit
of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God
Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
 
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Glory to the Father 
and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, 
is now and will be forever.
Amen.
 
ACT OF CONTRITION
Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God, 
Have mercy on me, a sinner. 
OR
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.

 In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
 I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things.
 I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more,
 and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
 Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
 In His Name, My God, have mercy. AMEN

THANK YOU. YOU DID IT!

We know this year you've had to take on a bit more than you expected. We are so grateful you took the time to get this far in the online program with your child. It is not easy to find an hour here and there and get your child to pay attention... but we really pray you found grace and joy in this opportunity.

Honestly, thank you. Thank you for your commitment to your child and to your child's faith. It's tough times, but you did it!

PART 1: A LETTER: FROM YOU TO YOUR CHILD
We are asking you to share with your child the dream you have for them. Write a letter to your child and give it to them on the day they celebrate their First Holy Communion in the spring of 2021.

This is a great opportunity for your child to receive something in writing from you that they can read and reflect on during their journey this school year.
 

• Here are some suggestions for what to write. You don't have to write about all of them, just some things to consider if you are stuck.
• What do you want your child to remember about his or her family?
• What do you want your child to remember about the time you shared preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
• What was your favorite memory of this time shared together?
• Let them know how much God means to you and what you hope for in the future.

• Bonus: Get the godparents involved.
• Think of your godparents. Have they had an active role in your faith formation?
• Consider: How important is it to you that your child's godparent are active in his or her life? If they are involved in your child’s life ask them to write a letter as well.
• Consider: If they aren't as involved as you would like, perhaps have a video chat or a phone call with your child and them so your child can share their experience of this program and what God means to them. Maybe this will prompt them to take the next step and become more involved.

• THE PROCESS WHEN YOU ARRIVE
  • Families will be scheduled to ensure physical distancing.
  • Each person coming must wear a mask.
  • Come 5 minutes early so we can screen your family.
  • Use the provided hand sanitizer
  • A member of our team will direct you and your child where to go and where to sit, while maintaining physical distancing.
  • When directed, you'll introduce your child to the priest, and share a bit about what makes them special to you.
  • You will return to your seat to wait (and pray for your child!).
  • The child will sit with the priest (at a safe physical distance) during the Sacrament of Confession. Don't worry if you think your child will be nervous... our priests are super cool.
  • After your child makes their First Reconciliation, rejoice! God's mercy is never ending.
     
• TURN NERVOUSNESS INTO EXCITEMENT

• • Schedule a special event after their First Reconciliation (ice cream, a special toy, etc).
  • Involve the extended family virtually... ask them call or FaceTime when you get home.
  • Reinforce the kindness of our priests.
  • Re-watch the "What to expect on your First Reconciliation Day" video with Msgr. John.
  • Practice the Examination of Conscience and bring the “Hand” craft with you to help.
  • Confidence rubs off. If you can be confident and calm, they will pick up on it. After all, it's not a big deal right? Their First Confession shouldn't be their last... so what a great start to prepare together.
  • If you have questions about the logistics, please email BrendaManzo@StThereseParish.ws.