​Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

First Reconciliation - May 4, 2024

First Holy Communion - May 5, 2024 - 12:30 pm Mass

Mass of Enrollment
​January 28, 2024 

The formal instruction process for these two sacraments will begin January 28, 2024, at the 9:00 am Family Mass. After the Gospel, your child's name will be called; they will come forward to receive their First Holy Communion Bible as a sign of their openness and desire to grow closer in relationship with Christ, who is the Good Shepherd. ​

These Bibles will be part of their formation for the sacraments and will need to be brought to the atrium each week.  

---

First Holy Communion Preparation

Preparation for First Holy Communion is, first and foremost, parents taking your child to Mass, letting your child observe your reception of the Eucharist reverently, and talking about what it means to receive Jesus Christ, “body, blood, soul and divinity.”  By observing your child’s interest and questions, you can help the catechist determine whether your child is ready to receive this Sacrament with full awareness.
Here are some of the things to share with your child that the catechist will be looking for: 

• Does your child know why you go to Mass?  (We are bound to honor and glorify God through worship.)
• Does your child know why you fast for an hour before Mass? (To prepare yourself spiritually and physically to receive Jesus.)
• Does your child know that it is important to pray before and after receiving Jesus? (Share with your child your particular prayers of supplication and thanksgiving.)
• Does your child know to genuflect before the Tabernacle and how to hold his/her hands in prayer?  (Children learn best by your example.)

CatholicMom.com

​Moral Formation/First Reconciliation 
​Preparation

St. Jerome Catholic Faith Formation offers the child who is ready additional instruction on moral formation and reconciliation, which is the necessary precursor to Holy Communion.  This is offered in the spring of the child's 2nd Grade year.  

Sacrament Dates to remember:

• May 4, 2024 - First Reconciliation
• May 5, 2024 – First Holy Communion 

What if my child attends Catholic School?

If your child has not been attending St. Jerome Catholic Faith Formation because of his/her enrollment in a Catholic school ​contact the parish office (727)595-4610 to request permission from the Pastor ​to receive the sacrament at the Catholic School your child is enrolled

For more information please contact the Catholic Faith Formation Office 

faithformation@stjeromeonline.org