CFF First Communion

• The First Communion is a pivotal moment in a child’s faith journey. It is the first time they receive the Eucharist, deepening their connection with Jesus and the Church community.

• The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, providing spiritual nourishment and fostering a closer relationship with Jesus.
• Through First Communion, children become full participants in the Eucharistic community, committing to live according to Christ’s teachings.
• The preparation process helps children understand the importance of faith, prayer, and community service.
• First Communion is celebrated by the entire church community, emphasizing the communal aspect of Catholicism.

1. Faith Formation Classes:
   
   • Children begin preparation in the first grade and continue through the second grade, attending weekly Faith Formation classes.
   • These classes provide catechesis on the sacraments, focusing on understanding the Eucharist and the structure of the Mass.
   • Curriculum: Uses Archdiocesan-approved programs such as Loyola Press God’s Gift, which helps children and their parents understand, prepare for, and celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist through prayer and active learning.
2. Weekly Lessons:
   
   • Children learn doctrine, sacraments, traditions, Catholic values, and prayer within the rhythm of the liturgical cycle.
   • Lessons are based on the Sunday Gospels and the Liturgical Year, ensuring that children are well-versed in the significance of the Eucharist.

Family Activities:

1. Informational Meetings and Workshops:
   
   • Periodic informational meetings and special family celebrations are scheduled throughout the year to coordinate weekly formation with home preparation.
   • These meetings are designed to involve parents in the preparation process, providing them with the tools and knowledge to support their children at home.
2. First Eucharist Banner Workshop:
   
   • Families are invited to participate in a banner-making workshop. This activity encourages family involvement and helps children learn about symbols and their meanings.
   • The banners will be displayed during the First Communion Liturgy, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
3. First Eucharist Banquet:
   
   • Families are invited to a banquet where they can break bread together and enjoy a social event. This banquet includes a brief prayer service explaining the Eucharist as a meal and making connections to family meals.
   • This event helps families reflect on the significance of the Eucharist and prepare together for the sacrament.

Additional Preparation:

1. Prayer Practice:
   
   • Children should practice key prayers such as the Act of Contrition, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be at home with their families.
   • Parents are encouraged to model prayer and reconciliation practices to reinforce what children learn in their classes.
2. Understanding the Mass:
   
   • Children will have a “practice” session during class, using unconsecrated bread and wine, to familiarize themselves with the taste and process of receiving Communion.
   • Families can watch instructional videos on how to receive Communion, ensuring children feel comfortable and prepared for the actual day.

Boys:

• Dress Pants and Jacket: Boys should wear dress pants and a jacket. The color is typically dark, such as navy, black, or grey.
• White Shirt: A white shirt is required to maintain a formal and uniform appearance.
• Tie: A tie should be worn, usually matching the jacket or in a complementary color.
• Dress Shoes: Boys should wear formal dress shoes, preferably in a dark color.

Girls:

• White Dress: Girls should wear a white dress, symbolizing purity and celebration. The dress should be modest and appropriate for a church setting.
• White Veil or Headpiece: Girls can wear a white veil, headpiece, or a wreath of flowers. This is optional but traditional for many families.
• Dress Shoes: Girls should wear white dress shoes to match their dress.

General Guidelines:

• Comfort and Modesty: Ensure that the attire is comfortable and modest. The focus should be on the sacrament rather than the clothing.
• No T-Shirts: Casual clothing like t-shirts is not appropriate for this occasion.
• Personal Preferences: While these are suggestions, the emphasis is on receiving Christ rather than being the best dressed. Families are encouraged to choose attire that their child feels comfortable in.

Additional Notes:

• Photographs: A professional photographer will be present during the Mass to take photos of the children as they receive the Eucharist. These photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. Photography by any other person during Mass is discouraged to maintain the sanctity of the occasion.
• Preparation and Practice: Parents should ensure their children are comfortable in their attire before the day of the ceremony. Practice sitting, standing, and walking in their outfits to avoid any discomfort on the day of the First Communion.

• First Eucharist Banner Workshop:
  
  • Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Location: Koenig Center
  • Details: Families can bring their kits/supplies to assemble banners together. Kits are available for purchase.
• First Eucharist Banquet:
  
  • CFF Families:
    • Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
    • Time: 6:00 PM
    • Location: Koenig Center
    • Details: Families are invited to a banquet where they can break bread together and enjoy a social event. This banquet includes a brief prayer service explaining the Eucharist as a meal and making connections to family meals.
• First Communion Practice for CFF Families:
  
  • Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Church
  • Details: Please arrive by 5:45 PM as the practice will start promptly at 6:00 PM.

First Communion Mass:

• CFF (All Sunday Classes & ELA Students):
  • Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Time: 2:00 PM
  • Location: Church
  • Details: First Communicants must arrive by 1:40 PM. Each family gets one pew with open seating.

• Answer: First Communion is a significant sacrament in the Catholic Church where children receive the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, for the first time. It marks a deeper initiation into the Catholic faith and a closer relationship with Jesus.

• Answer: Preparation includes attending Faith Formation classes, participating in a First Reconciliation service, practicing key prayers, and engaging in family activities like the First Eucharist Banner Workshop and Dessert Banquet.

• Answer:
  • Boys: Dress pants and jacket, white shirt, tie, dress shoes.
  • Girls: White dress, white veil or headpiece (wreath of flowers, bow, etc.), white shoes.

• Answer:
  • Children and families should arrive at least 20 minutes before the Mass starts.
  • The ceremony includes the Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites.
  • Professional photographers will be present to capture the moment when children receive the Eucharist.

• Answer: Yes, family members who are practicing Catholics can receive Communion. Non-Catholic family members and younger siblings may come up for a blessing by crossing their arms over their chest.

• Answer: If there is a family history of severe allergies to wheat or alcohol, please contact the Faith Formation office to make appropriate arrangements for low-gluten hosts or grape juice.

• Answer: Yes, attendance at preparation meetings, workshops, and classes is expected to ensure that children are well-prepared for receiving the sacrament.

• Answer: Contact Jasmine Gonzalez at [email protected] or 847-362-5797 to discuss any changes to your assigned date/time or to ask about special arrangements like serving as Altar Servers, EOMs, family clergy, or for low-gluten hosts and handicap seating.

Contact Information

• Name: Jasmine Gonzalez
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 847-362-5797