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​Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

First Reconciliation/First Holy Communion

First Reconciliation/First Holy Communion Registration
​for 2021 will be at our informational meeting this fall.  

First Holy Communion Preparation

Preparation for First Holy Communion is, first and foremost, parents taking their child to Mass, letting the child observe the parent’s reverential reception of the Eucharist, and talking about what it means to receive Jesus Christ, “body, blood, soul and divinity.”  By observing their child’s interest and questions, the parent can help the catechist determine whether the 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?  (To receive Jesus, and to thank God for this great gift.)
• 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.  Typically, this is offered in the spring of the child's 2nd Grade year but occasionally the spring of their 1st Grade year, or 3rd Grade year, depending on their readiness. 

The formal process for this instruction will begin with a Mass, initiation gift for the child and family, and an informational meeting on
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October 14, 2020 @ 6 pm in the Chapel

2021 Sacrament Dates to remember:

• April 30 - First Reconciliation
• May 1 – First Holy Communion
• May 9 – May Crowning - First Holy Communion children participate in the May Crowning  Procession and Mass at the 9:00 am Mass.

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, and you need further information, come to the Mass/Information meeting in the Chapel on October 14th.

​To receive the sacrament at the Catholic School your child is enrolled contact the parish office (727)595-4610 to request permission from the Pastor.

For more information please contact the Catholic Faith Formation Office 

faithformation@stjeromeonline.org