Our "communion program" is a two-year process that prepares the child NOT FOR FIRST COMMUNION but for a LIFE OF COMMUNION with Jesus and the church.
What would be the point of receiving Jesus in communion once and then stopping?
That would be like stopping after your...
...first plane ride
...first kiss
...first day of school
...first ice cream cone!
Moms and Dads, as you begin to lead your child to a lifetime of communion with Jesus and the church, consider what habits and practices are going to be part of your family's life now and into the future that will foster this ongoing life?
Remember: Parental involvement is crucial to the success of a child's faith formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do we begin to prepare a child for a lifetime of communion?
• For many children it is appropriate to enroll in the first year of our program when they are in first grade. For some, it is better to start in second grade. If you have questions, we encourage you to speak with someone on our staff or one of the priests.
• Children need to be old enough to understand basic bible stories, have the beginning of a personal relationship with Jesus, an understanding (on a child's level) that receiving the Eucharist is receiving the Body of Christ.
What happens in the first year of the communion program?
• Family meetings with the communion candidates, their parents and the rest of the family.
• Weekly class gatherings with other children in Level One Communion.
What happens in the second year of the communion program?
• Family meetings with the communion candidates, their parents and the rest of the family.
• Weekly class gatherings with other children in Level Two Communion.
• We prepare the children to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. We introduce the concept of how God's mercy forgives our sins through this Sacrament -- something that our children can rely on their whole lives long. This is a great opportunity for parents to re-discover the joy and peace of this sacrament for themselves too.
• There is a "First Penance Retreat Day" with interactive activities for the children and their parents. Then on another day, they actually celebrate this sacrament at a Penance Service, which parents attend.
• We prepare the children to receive communion for the rest of their lives.
• There is a "First Communion Retreat" where the children come dressed as "disciples" and we re-enact the Last Supper. no sew costume instructions
• At home, each family makes a small banner with their child's name to hang on the end of the pew on first communion day and as a decoration for the home to remind of this new beginning of regularly receiving Jesus in communion each week. Banner Instructions
•First communions take place during the Easter Season each year. Families have a choice of a Sunday celebration at a regular Mass time with the rest of the Sunday community or a Saturday morning or afternoon. Second communion takes place either the next day or the next week. Third communion is a week after that….and so on.
•Rehearsals are held during the week before the scheduled first communion.
I have an older child who never received communion. How can he/she be prepared to receive Jesus?
• We are so happy to connect children to Jesus and the church no matter what their age. If they're ready, we're ready! Older children won't be placed with first or second graders. We'll welcome them into an age-appropriate class where we'll do some specialized work to prepare them to receive communion for life. Please contact a member of our staff to discuss the situation and any concerns you might have.
Our child has special needs and a regular class setting might not be appropriate for him/her. What are our options?
Saint Bernard's has a wonderful Special Needs Program that accommodates the different developmental needs of children. Please contact our staff to discuss.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (516) 731-8511.
I haven't been receiving communion because of some personal situation (e.g. not Catholic, not married in the church, struggling with some aspect of faith, etc.) Is there anything I can do to reconcile this in time for my child's communion so we can receive together?
Yes! Please contact our rectory, and we will have someone on our parish staff contact you to start working on connecting you to communion again (or for the first time). This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Besides coming to Mass each week, what are some things we can do now to prepare our children?
Pray these prayers with your children: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Act of Contrition.
If I have other questions or concerns, who can I contact?
The coordinator of our communion program is Mr. Vin Mineo vinmineo@stbernardchurch. org or leave a message at (516) 731-8511.
