First Communion

Teachers: Nancy White & Judy Ann Donovan
When boys and girls make their First Holy Communion (usually in second grade), it’s a big occasion for Catholic families. Like their Baptism or Confirmation, the day of First Communion is one filled with family, friends, and (sometimes) feasting after the sacred event has taken place in church.

The First Communion classes at St. Anne’s Parish are held from the beginning of January – the date of their First Communion Mass (usually at the end of May.) We meet once a week (every Sunday.) The classes are held at the church in the back “overflow” room. Class is from 10:15-11:00am (45 minutes). This makes it convenient for our First Communion candidates to attend the 9:00am Mass beforehand or the 11:15am Mass afterwards.

Each candidate receives a book with many chapters and fun work activities surrounding t

his Holy sacrament. We do the studies together in class as we prepare to accept the Eucharist. We learn about the importance of receiving, for the very first time, Holy Communion; the body and blood of Jesus Christ. By continuing to receive Holy Communion for the rest of their lives, Catholics become one with Christ and believe they will share in His eternal life.

We do many crafts, games and singing in class. It is a special and enjoyable time for the students and teachers. We learn together and make many connections to our everyday living.
Generally, the actual First Communion service will be part of the normal Sunday Mass, and could include a procession of the First Communicants. Very often, the children participate in the Mass by carrying out all of the readings, prayers and other jobs during the service. It is a special and joyous occasion for all involved.
Below are some pictures of some of the work we have done with First Communicants in preparation for this special sacrament.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the completion of the process of initiation into the family of Christ and is preceded by Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. It is one of the 7 Sacraments of Catholicism. Confirmation involves being responsible for one’s faith and actions and is a coming-of-age ceremony. Performed by the Bishop, the confirmation rituals involve laying on of hands as well as anointing with holy oils. In addition, the person chooses a new name which is generally the name of a saint and is added to the Christian name after being confirmed by the Bishop.

In our parish Confirmation preparation usually involves candidates in grade 8. However, with the suspension of programmes during the pandemic we are now attempting to play “catch up” for those who have reached the age for Confirmation.
Stay tuned for updates for the beginning of the next programme.