Sacramental Preparation and Parents

O Lord, Hear Our Prayer

Blest Are We Closing Celebration

Blest Are We Gathering Celebration

The Four C's

Sacramental Preparation and Parents LITURGY AND CATECHESIS As a leader of religious education, you have a unique opportunity to evangelize by including parents in the process of sacramental preparation of their children. This will also result in increased involvement of the children. Help parents make the connection between the sacraments and Mass. Sometimes they are viewed as independent entities. Plan sacramental celebrations to reflect the unique cultural composition of the parish community. PLANNING AHEAD In preparing for parent meetings relating to preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist consider elements such as the following. • Prepare a welcoming environment—avoid classroom settings! Comfortable seating is ideal; but folding chairs in a semi-circle can be inviting, too. Make it as user-friendly as possible. • Include prayer—display a Bible with a candle lit. Involve parents in the prayer—as readers, in any ritual activity, or through music. • Adults have different learning styles. Some respond best to lectures, others discussions or videos. Provide a little of each during your time together to provide points of interest for everyone. Choose dialogue over monologue. The increasing diversity of parish populations calls for appreciating and benefiting from differences among us. • Parents who are constantly told what to do stop listening. Be sure to include time for parents to interact with you and each other. LISTEN. • Knowing your audience will help you choose the best times for meetings. Stagger meeting times; provide choices. The realities of family life need to be considered in the implementation of programs serving children & youth. • The makeup of families varies: dual parents and children, single-parent, blended families and more. When providing examples, models, or illustrations, care must be given to show variety. • Provide some refreshments. It's a sign of hospitality and may make a major difference in terms of positive response. Seek the help of one or more parents in setting up. • Housekeeping is not the focus or purpose of the meetings. The sacrament is the focus. Distribute handouts to provide information on schedules, proper attire, photo opportunities, and the like. Speak with parents after a meeting or by phone about technical concerns. Save the meeting time for faith enrichment. Additional Materials The following resources provide current materials on sacraments and sacramental preparation. Books The Gift of Reconciliation - Child's Book These beautifully designed books have Scripture as the main focus and encourage family involvement. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36124-5 (softcover) The Gift of Reconciliation - Family Guide For each lesson in the Child's Book, there are four pages in the guide to support and extend the material. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36126-1 El Regalo de la Reconciliacion Guía para la familia con el libro del niñoen español e inglés Child's book is included in reduced size with a complete translation in Spanish, enabling Spanish speaking/reading parents to share with their children. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36128-8 The Gift of Reconciliation Program Director's Manual Manual includes a program overview, planning and formation, parent gatherings, and more. Blackline masters are in English and Spanish. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36127-X The Gift of Eucharist - Child's Book These beautifully designed books have Scripture as the main focus and encourage family involvement. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36119-9 (softcover) The Gift of Eucharist - Family Guide For each lesson in the Child's Book, there are four pages in the guide to support and extend the material. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36121-0 El Regalo de la Eucaristía Guía para la familia con el libro del niñoen español e inglés Child's book is included in reduced size with a complete translation in Spanish, enabling Spanish speaking/reading parents to share with their children. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36123-7 The Gift of Eucharist Program Director's Manual Manual includes a program overview, planning and formation, parent gatherings, and more. Blackline masters are in English and Spanish. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36122-9 The Gift of Eucharist Certificates These parchment-like certificates are designed specifically for children celebrating their First Holy Communion. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36246-2 Come to the Feast by Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni Father Fragomeni explains the Eucharist as gift. Book is appropriate for both catechists and parents. ORDER NUMBER: 0-82641-038-3 Videos/Audio First Communion: A Family Journey (2 10-min. segments) Provides background for the meaning of Eucharist, Baptism, and full membership in the Church. Clips from a diverse collection of First Communion celebrations emphasize the universality of these sacraments; guide. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-932142-05-3 The Gift of Reconciliation– Video for Catechist and Parent Meetings (2 20-min. sections) Presents theology of sacrament, program components, and discussion questions. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36114-8 The Gift of Reconciliation– Audio Cassette for Priests and Pastoral Staff Presents theology of sacrament, program components, and discussion questions. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36259-4 The Gift of Eucharist– Video for Catechist and Parent Meetings (2 20-min. sections) Presents theology of sacrament, program components, and discussion questions. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36115-6 The Gift of Eucharist– Audio Cassette for Priests and Pastoral Staff Presents theology of sacrament, program components, and discussion questions. ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36258-6