St Thomas the Apostle. . . . Faith Formation Programs

What to wear to

First Eucharist Mass:

Sunday Best!

Girls like to wear white dresses with veils, but it's not necessary.  Pretty dresses, Sunday best, flower girl dresses etc, are all appropriate.  Girls whose dresses have spaghetti straps must wear a shawl or sweater or little jacket. 

Boys don't have to wear a suit jacket, but a necktie and button-down shirt are nice.  Dress pants are appropriate.  No jeans, No shorts, No sneakers. 

These kids all look great: 

Preparation for First Sacraments at St Thomas is a meaningful and moving experience!  We aim to prepare our children for the awesome Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist in ways that engage and insipre both their minds and their hearts!  

We want to help children and their families see more clearly  Jesus' awesome Mercy in Penance and HIS awesome and REAL Presence in the Eucharist.  We teach Penance and Eucharist within the Story of Salvation-- the Story of God saving HIS people-- that's US-- from sin and death--- -- the story of God restoring HIS people--  that's US-- to eternal life with HIM!!! We teach the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as proper worship of God Our Father.  We begin to more clearly understand our Church community as the Family of God. 

The ^{high points} of the preparation process are our retreats!!!  St Thomas First Penance Retreat and First Eucharist Retreat are experiences that child and parent remember for a long time!  (In fact, we've often been asked to repeat them more frequently,  but they're soooo labor intensive, we can only do them once a year!) 

Our First Sacraments Preparation Program consists of

• basic catechism (in an approved program)
• weekly participation in the Sunday Liturgy
• Enrollment Mass and Gathering/ Teaching Session
• 2 retreats
• home study texts for children and parents to work through together** 
• a video and reflection for parents to complete at home
• and invitation to monthly Children's Liturgies  !! 

**  if your child is a student at St Thomas School, Mrs. McGuire will make assignment schedules for you.

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Below you will find the expectations of the First Sacrament Program, and for your convenience, you'll find  handy checklist in the document gallery for you to download and print. 

 Program Expectations:

• The primary expectation of St Thomas First Sacraments Preparation program is weekly attendance at the Sunday Liturgy.

•  Watch 2 videos: 
• Father Bill's     here
• Monica Pope's  here

• Parents have submitted by September 19:

                                          candidate's registration  (download below) and tuition

                                          baptismal certificate (unless it's on file at the school, or unless candidate was

                                          baptized at St Thomas.)

• Candidate is receiving basic catechism in an approved program.

• Candidate and parent attend all of the parish-sponsored Sacrament Prep sessions. (Under the guidance of our pastor, Father Bill, St Thomas Faith Formation has adopted a rigorous absentee policy.  Sports or other recreational events are NOT acceptable reasons to
  miss Sacrament Prep sessions.  Dates are listed below and also included in the calendar.  Mark your calendar now.  Do not schedule family trips or other events at the same time as these preparation sessions.  Attendance for ALL children [with parent] is mandatory.)

                                           * November 20, 9:00 a.m. -- noon (Children's Liturgy) Enrollment   Mass and
                                            Sacrament Session. (lunch provided!)  Download, decorate and sign this

                                            promise card  and bring to Enrollment Mass. 

                                            * February 18 OR February 25,  10 am- 1 pm

                                              First Penance Retreat, Sacrament and Celebration  !!!!!

                                              (lunch provided!) 

                                              (please email me your choice of session by Feb 1)

                                             * Parent emailed choice of First Eucharist Mass
                                              NO SOONER than March 1, 
                                              NO LATER than April 20

                                             * April 21, noon- 3:00 pm

                                               First Eucharist Retreat !!!!!!

                                               (lunch provided!) 

                                             * May 12, 10:00 am OR  noon

                                               First Eucharist Masses  !!!!!!!!

                                                       *May 10, 6:00 pm rehearsal for 10:00 a.m. Mass

                                                         May 10, 7:30 pm rehearsal for noon Mass

• Candidate and parent uses the study guide  (download below)  complete God's Gift: Reconciliation by Feb 14 / 15   (or according to Mrs. McGuire’s assignments, if candidate is in St Thomas School)

• Parents of students preparing for First Reconciliation,

  the on-line video parent session is posted now!!! 
  First Reconciliation Parents' Workshop

  
  Please have this completed and reflections returned to me before your child has First Reconciliation:
  February 17 (for the 18th retreat)
  or
  February 23 (for the 25th retreat)  
   

• Candidate and parent uses the study guide  (download below) to complete God's Gift: Eucharist  by

  by May 1 / 2 (or according to Mrs. McGuire’s assignments, if candidate is in St Thomas School)

•  First Eucharist Song  -- candidate and parent practice at home.  This song should be well-practiced by First Eucharist Retreat.  (another version, with lyrics, can be found here.

• Candidate and sponsor attend First Eucharist rehearsal

• Parents and Candidate choose Eucharist Mass by (date TBD.)

• Attend First Eucharist Mass

• Families are encouraged to attend and participate in Children's Liturgy