EUCHARIST:

Along with Baptism and Confirmation, Eucharist or Communion is part of the Sacraments of Initiation. Through these sacraments, a person is incorporated into the Church and welcomed to participate as part of the Body of Christ.

Eucharist is the ritual of celebrating the Paschal Mystery of Christ, through giving thanks and praise to God at Mass. This sacramental experience is the heart of Catholic life for the whole Church. By joining the family of Christ at weekly Eucharist, we all renew our commitment to serve Jesus, our Savior and Messiah.

Preparation for First Reconciliation & First Communion/Eucharist: Wednesdays & One Sunday a Month

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation or First Confession is received in the winter of 2nd grade for children at St. Raphael’s church. Students and parents participate in a time of Learning. All Faith Formation, Catholic Schooled, and Home Schooled children share many parts of this experience as a community of faith. The Sacrament of First Eucharist or First Communion is received in the spring of 2nd grade for children at St. Raphael’s church. Classes run from the fall thru the first Sunday in May, First Eucharist Sunday. Students and parents participate in a time of Learning Centers as well at practice for the day of the first sacrament.

Classes this year are in conjunction with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, our Atrium program. The class meets in the Atrium room, in the church basement on Wednesdays for the Atrium training and on One Sunday a Month from 8:45am to 11:45pm. The Sunday gatherings will start with 8:45am Mass with the class sitting together and joining in the Masses as they learn. At 10am, they will move into programs led by the ever growing First Reconciliation/First Communion Team. We use the Together in Jesus from Pflaum Publishing Group. This program conforms to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and brings children and their families to a joyful reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. There are many requirements for the students and families; watch for the First Reconciliation/Eucharist Student Handbook at the Parent Meeting.