Sacramental Preparation

Baptism Classes

Parents anticipating the baptism of their child are asked to participate in the preparation for that sacrament by attending classes. Classes here at Blessed John XXIII are from 7-8:30 PM Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights in one week. We encourage couples to participate in one class during the time of pregnancy. The classes for the 2007-8 school year are August 13, 14, and 16th, 2007; November 26, 27, and 28th, 2007; and March 10, 11, and 13th, 2008. You may register for class by calling Jim Reid's voice mail 530-7920 and leaving your name, address, phone number, and which class series you will be attending. Any questions, call Jim Reid at 484-3356 or voice mail 530-7920.

First Reconciliation & First Communion Classes

Basic Philosophy and Guidelines

The guiding principles in these policies are that you as parents have the primary responsibility and right in preparing your child to celebrate these two sacraments for the first time and in deciding when they will receive them. In addition, we want both the preparation for and the celebration of these two sacraments to be a positive experience for both parents and children.

According to the law of the Church and the guidelines of the Archdiocese the reception of First Reconciliation should normally precede the celebration of First Eucharist.

In the elementary Faith Formation Programs at Blessed John XXIII (both the Sunday and Wednesday programs) students learn about these two sacraments in the following grades: second grade, first semester is on the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the second semester is on the Eucharist; fourth grade, second semester us a review of the Eucharist. These classes are not considered the immediate preparation for First Reconciliation or First Eucharist nor do the teachers or the director make the decision about when your child will first receive these sacraments. As noted above we believe those to be your parental rights and responsibilities.

Parent Classes

Classes are offered twice yearly to parents to assist them in the immediate preparation of their child to celebrate these two sacraments and in the decision about when the sacraments will be received.

First Reconciliation Classes

The parent classes this year are October 15, 16, 22, and 23, 2007 are are repeated again on November 5, 6, 12, an 13, 2007. Please note that the 4 classes which make up the series are two day in a row one week and 2 days in a row the following week. You may sign up for either set of classes by calling Jim Reid's voice mail, 530-7920) and leaving which series of classes, your name, address, zip code and phone number. The classes are an opportunity for parents to think through their understanding and experience with sin, forgiveness, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In addition, it is an opportunity to reflect on what and how to teach their child, and to review and purchase materials designed to be used by parents to prepare their child.

First Eucharist Classes

The First Eucharist classes for parents are both offered in the month of January. The first series is January 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2008 while the second series is January 9, 10, 16, and 17, 2008. Please note that the 4 classes making up the series are two days in a row one week and 2 days in a row the following week. You may sign up for either series by calling Jim Reid's voice mail (530-7920) and leaving which series of classes, your name, address, zip code, and phone number. These classes are an opportunity for parents to think through their understanding and experience of Mass and Communion, to reflect what and how to teach their child, and to review and purchase materials designed to be used by parents to prepare their child. On Thursday, May 8, 2008, from 6-7:30 PM there will be a lesson-meal with Fr. Don and the families preparing for First Eucharist. Fr. Don does a brief lesson of about 20 minutes with the families and that is followed by a potluck dinner.

The Importance of Parent Involvement

Parent's participation in these classes and their direct and immediate involvement in their child's preparation to celebrate these two sacraments are highly valued and essential.

The Celebrations

First Reconciliation

Two special communal Reconciliation services provide the setting for students to celebrate their first, Sacramental, private confession. The students do the readings, prayers, etc. during the Reconciliation services. The Reconciliation services this year will be on Thursday, December 6th, 2007 at 7 PM (practice at 4 PM, December 3rd) and on Thursday, February 7th, 2008 at 7 PM (practice at 4 PM February 4th). Those who are prepared and wish to participate may sing up by calling Jim Reid's voice mail (530-7920) and leaving which service, the child's name, address, zip code, and phone number.

Parents also have the choice of celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time outside these 2 special Reconciliation services. The Sacrament can be celebrated either by appointment or at a time when the Sacrament is regularly available to the community - Tuesdays from 4-5 PM or Saturdays from 3-4 PM. If you choose this option, please let the office know (484-3356) so we may have the First Reconciliation certificate done.

First Eucharist

When parents have prepared their child to the point of readiness, the child should be scheduled to have a pastoral interview with the director of faith formation for the elementary program. The child can celebrate their First Eucharist any time following this interview. Families may celebrate either an individual First Eucharist at one of the weekend or daily Masses or at group First Eucharist. The group First Eucharist's will be celebrated at the 5:15 PM Mass on Saturday, May 24, 2008 (practice at 4 PM, May 19), the 8:30 AM Mass on May 25, 2007 (practice at 4 PM, May 21), or the 11:15 AM Mass on May 25, 2008 (practice at 4 PM, May 22). Sign up for the Mass of your choice by calling Jim Reid's voice mail (530-7920) and leaving which Mass, the child's name, address, zip code, and phone number.