The Eucharist (or Communion) brings about our own intimate union with Jesus Christ because it is a sacrament of love, a sign of unity and the very presence of the risen Christ who shares his life with us. As Jesus announced, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them” (John 6:56).
First Reconciliation
The First Reconciliation and Eucharist program is open to children, referred to as “candidates”, who are in Year 4 or above (aged 9 or older) and have been confirmed (made their Confirmation) within the Catholic Church.
- When choosing whether or not to embark on this program, please consider the age and maturity of your child: if you feel your child would benefit from partaking in the program at an older age, then do so.
- Candidates are required to provide a Confirmation certificate prior to partaking in this program.
The Parent and Candidate Welcome Meeting is Session #1 on Wednesday 24th May at 630pm at Sacred Heart Church, Pymble. This is a combined First Reconciliation and Eucharist meeting.
The First Reconciliation program consists of the following which a parent and the candidate are required to attend for successful completion of the program:
- Three formation sessions, one of which includes the Parent and Candidate Welcome Evening (as above),
- Presentation mass,
- First Reconciliation.
Preparation Program: two additional formation sessions with a nominated home-based group or the parish-facilitated group.
- Home-based family group is parent-driven, run and orchestrated, with other families that are from the candidate’s school. The dates, times and locations are determined by the group.
- Parish-facilitated group is orchestrated by members of the Pymble Sacramental Team at the Parish Office at Sacred Heart Church, Pymble. The dates are as follows:
- Session #2 options: Saturday 27th May at 2pm or 4pm, or Sunday 28th May at 1030am.
- Session #3 options are: Saturday 3rd June at 2pm or 4pm, or Sunday 4th June at 1030am.
Presentation Mass: The weekend of Saturday 27th / Sunday 28th May any Mass at either church.
No practice.
First Reconciliation times are staggered to ensure all candidates are given ample time and space to confess without having to wait. Please come at your allotted time.
- Tuesday 13th June at Sacred Heart Church. A candidate is given a 5-minute time slot between the times of 4pm and 515pm.
- Wednesday 14th June at OLPS Church. A candidate is given a 5-minute time slot between the times of 330pm and 415pm.
First Eucharist
The Parent and Candidate Welcome Meeting, as detailed above, is Session #1 on Wednesday 24th May at 630pm at Sacred Heart Church, Pymble and combined with First Reconciliation.
The First Eucharist program consists of the following which a parent and the candidate are required to attend for successful completion of the program:
- Three formation sessions,
- Presentation mass,
- First Eucharist practice,
- First Eucharist celebration.
Preparation Program: two additional formation sessions with a nominated home-based group or the parish-facilitated group.
- Home-based family group is parent-driven, run and orchestrated, with other families that are from the candidate’s school. The dates, times and locations are determined by the group.
- Parish-facilitated group is orchestrated by members of the Pymble Sacramental Team at the Parish Office at Sacred Heart Church, Pymble. The dates are as follows:
- Session #2 options: Saturday 22nd July at 2pm or 4pm, or Sunday 23rd July at 1030am.
- Session #3 options are: Saturday 5th August at 2pm or 4pm, or Sunday 6th August at 1030am.
Presentation Mass: The weekend of Saturday 5th / Sunday 6th August, any Mass at either church.
Go to reconciliation at least one more time prior to First Eucharist:
- At Sacred Heart: 830am Friday, 5pm Saturday, 530pm Sunday
- At OLPS: 930am Saturday
OLPS Pratice and Celebration Time
- Practice for OLPS: Tuesday 8th August at 4pm. Practice will run for about 30 minutes.
- First Eucharist Celebration for OLPS: Sunday 13th August at 11am. The celebration will be about an hour.
Sacred Heart Practice and Celebration Time
- Practice for SH: Thursday 17th August at 4pm. Practice will run for about 45 minutes.
- First Eucharist Celebration for SH: Sunday 20th August at 1130am. The celebration will be about 75 minutes.
- The practice and celebration at SH are longer due to the greater number of candidates that partake.
If your child has additional needs, we want to ensure they can receive the sacraments in a way that is helpful and inclusive of them, please let us know.
Please note parent involvement is required. The expectation is the involvement of the child making their sacraments, as well as the parent(s). The majority of one's spiritual and religious development occurs in the home: parents are the primary educators of their children. These groups are meant to complement the preparation for these sacraments, which should also be happening at home.
Registration
Registration is for both Reconciliation and Eucharist, inclusive. When registering there is an enrolment fee of $140: this is not a charge for making the sacraments. This fee offsets the costs of books, materials, resources and infrastructure required to run the program. Any additional money raised is used towards church operations.
If you have more than one child participating, please register each child individually so we can capture individual information required for each child.
If you are experiencing financial hardship or require assistance, please contact the Sacramental Team for a confidential correspondence at sacraments@pymblecatholicparish.org.au.