Preparing for the Sacrament of Eucharist is part of the curriculum in grades one and two at Holy Family and culminates in the celebration of First Eucharist on a Sunday in the Easter Season.

Expectations

Families are to be registered members of Holy Family Parish. If you need to register, you may do so online or contact the parish office at 856-228-1616.

Families are practicing the Faith by participating in Mass each week and sharing their gifts of time, talent and treasure in support of the Church and its mission to those in need.

Families attend an informational session in the fall of grade one when an overview of the Sacramental Preparation Program and the Parish & Catholic School Formation Program is presented.

The child who wishes to receive First Eucharist must have completed the first year of religious education in our Regional Catholic School or Parish Christian Formation Program (exclusive of kindergarten). Therein God's love for us and our response to His Love is explored. In the spring of grade one, an informal interview with the child is conducted to discern his or her readiness for the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist. And he or she must be currently enrolled in grade two.

Families are to complete all paperwork and pay the associated fee in a timely fashion and are to provide a baptismal certificate for their child (unless it is already on file in the Religious Eudcation or Parish Office). The child preparing for First Eucharist will need to participate in a number of music practices and rehearsals for the celebration. Families are to continue the practice of Faith beyond the celebration of First Eucharist by weekly participation in Mass and the frequent reception of Holy Communion. Please remember that Catholics are expected to make their annual Easter Duty that requires us to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, if conscious of serious sins, and to receive Holy Communion. This obligation may be fulfilled at anytime between the First Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday (the Sunday following Pentecost).

Families are to support their child's continued participation in the Parish Christian Formation Program or our Regional Catholic School.

In the end of a child who wishes to receive First Eucharist needs to understand the importance of weekly participation in the Mass and an appreciation of the various parts of the Mass; a basic understanding of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist; a reverence for the Church and its Sacraments; and an appreciation for Jesus' gift of Himself in the Eucharist.