First Communion
Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the Lord’s greatest and most precious gift to His Church. “I myself am the bread of life. No one who comes to me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in me shall thirst.” John 6:35. Eucharist is the central sacrament in the life of each Catholic, and the core of our community life. In the Eucharist, we are fed Christ, the Bread of Life, at a communal meal. The meal is also a sign that we accept each other in the cause of unity, peace and love.

In the preparation for the reception of Communion for the first time, both parents and child have important roles. Parents are the primary teachers of their children; therefore, a preparation for parents, as well as children is an integral part of the overall catechetical process. The parish assists the parents by presenting a three-session program two times a year that parents are required to attend with their children.

The First Communion Program at St. John the Baptist is designed to help parents prepare their second and third graders for their first encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. It is a Parish Program. To participate in this program, the children must be participating in a religious education program through the Office of Christian Formation, SJB School other private religious schools, Multi-age or Family Learning Teams.

After they have completed the program and the accompanying book, the parents determine when their child is ready. Arrangements are made through the rectory for individual First Communion celebrations at any of the regularly scheduled Masses.

Schedule:

First Communion Preparation, Grades 2-3 ONLY
January 7, 2008 Session I
January 14, 2008 Session II
January 21, 2008 Session III
January 28, 2008 Snow Date

First Communion Preparation, Grades 4-8 ONLY
April 14, 2008 Session I
April 21, 2008 Session II
April 28, 2008 Session III

All the sessions begin at 7:00 PM. Parents and children attend all three nights. Children must be registered to attend. Registration is by telephone
(301-622-1122) or in person at the Office of Christian Formation.

Young people who are grades five through twelve and wish to prepare for First Communion may enroll in a program with their peers using age-appropriate materials.

When parents and children have completed the preparation program, the parents decide when the child is ready for First Communion, and then make arrangements at the Parish Office for individual celebrations at a Mass of their choice.