Sacrament Preparation

Preparing for the sacraments of reconciliation and first communion contains three elements: the Mass of Enrollment, weekly meditations, and the four day retreat.

Mass of Enrollment

The priest reads out the name of each candidate during the celebration of the Mass and solemnly presents each child with a Bible. The children sign their names in a special book after they are presented with their Bible. The book is kept in the Level 2 Atrium at Casa Dei Bambini and the children are remembered in prayer throughout the preparation.

The Meditations

Held on five separate occasions. They last about one hour. Parents have separate sessions given at the same time.
The Five Meditation revolve around the following:
- True Vine I – John 15:1-11: “Remain in me! …” Emphasis is on the relationship between the vine and the branches, how each branch is born into the vine and the life giving sap that runs through it.
- True Vine II – John 15:1-11: “…and you will bear much fruit.” New emphasis is on the Vinedresser and the bearing of fruit. Using the imagery of the parable, sin is introduced as a “block” to the flow of sap within the vine. The joy of bearing fruit gives glory to the Vinedresser.
- The Twin Parables of Mercy: The Found Sheep / The Found Coin – Luke 15:1-10: The freely given gift of God’s mercy and forgiveness is an occasion of celebration and rejoicing as seen in these two parables.
- The Forgiving Father – Luke 15:11-24: The father and his prodigal son celebrate with a banquet! What matters most is that the son returned.
- The Centurion’s Servant – Matthew 8:5-13: We come to the banquet not because we are worthy but because the Good Shepherd calls us. It is sheer gift. “Happy are those who are called to his supper.”

The Retreat

Just before the sacraments are celebrated, the children enter into a retreat, lasting four days including the sacramental celebrations. It is primarily a time to quiet and deepen their reflection on the work that they have already come to know. .
The retreat lasts each day from around 9 a.m. – 6:oo p.m. so that the children can share their evening meal together. There is no pressure, no rigid schedule. The children are reminded that while they are working, others are working also and praying for them so that they will have everything that they need to make this a special time.
Essential elements of the retreat include time for prayer, work, play, handwork, daily Mass that the children prepare for, and also preparation for the celebrations of First Confession, renewal of Baptismal promises, and First Communion.
On Friday of the retreat, the children will celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation. Their parents, come and are part of the renewal of Baptism promises and the vesting with the white garment.
The celebration of first reconciliation is solemnly linked to the baptismal signs of the white garment and the light, and, in the case of catechumens, of the celebration of baptism.
Confession is based on the child’s reflection on one or two Maxims.

On Saturday morning, the children make their First Communions dressed in their white garments they have made at the retreat. It is their robe for the banquet!

After the Eucharist, the children return to the retreat for continued quiet and enjoyment of the gift.

The children process with their light recalling when they too received God’s light
Communion gifts should be given at another time after the children have returned home. The greatest gift that they will receive this day is the gift of Eucharist!
Family celebrations and parties can be organized in the weeks following the sacrament privately or by participating in your parish First Communion celebration.
After the Eucharist, the children return to the retreat for continued quiet and enjoyment of the gift.
Parents are invited to come to the Closing Prayer Service on Saturday at 4:30 at the Children’s House.

The catechesis continues in the years which follow first communion, returning to and enlarging upon themes already introduced and presenting other themes according to the new needs of the emerging developmental period.

Our Confirmation retreats are open to students across the diocese. For more information about joining a Confirmation retreats, contact us.