FIRST EUCHARIST

 Family participation is critical in preparing a candidate to celebrate First Eucharist. Families and the candidate are invited to attend communal prayer services, workshops and a Blessing Cup Meal to prepare as a family for this sacrament.  

Through the sharing of scripture stories, prayer and growth experiences, the family recognizes the importance of daily life and how their life responds to the life of Jesus.  Through the Sunday Liturgy, communal prayer services and family workshops, the families gather as a small community in preparation for the celebration of the sacrament.  The coordinator invites parishioners to share their faith with the candidates during the workshops, offer administrative assistance or help coordinate the prayer service and the Blessing Cup Meal.   

The First Eucharist Program welcomes all candidates who are ready to continue the journey they began at baptism.  The Table of the Lord program combines group meetings after Sunday liturgy with home instruction.  At the Blessing Cup Meal the sacramental symbols of water, oil, bread, wheat and the special cup remind participants that as a family of God, they are unified.  Also, families are invited to gather for a prayer vigil to recognize the need to forgive and to be forgiven. 

As a gesture of welcome from the parish community, each child receives a special invitation card inviting them to the Table of the Lord, handmade by members of the parish Senior Outreach.  Eileen Krieb coordinates both the First Eucharist and the Confirmation programs.