First Communion 2024 Information

Registrations are now closed.

First Communion Dates 2024 Dates for public, private and other catholic schools shall be scheduled with our Catholic schools at the end of October, where space is available.
Sun. Apr. 7 at 3:30PM	DIVINE MERCY
Sat. Apr. 13 at 2:30PM	HOLY JUBILEE
Sun. Apr. 14 at 3:30PM	FATHER JOHN KELLY
Sun. Apr. 28 3:30PM	ST. JAMES
Sun. May 5 at 3:30PM	ST DAVID
Sat. May 25 at 2:30PM	BLESSED TRINITY-Fr. Imm. students

Sun.. May 26 at 3:30PM

BLESSED TRINITY-Eng students

Parental consent & a copy of the Catholic Baptism Certificate will be required. If you are unable to locate it, contact the Parish of Baptism to obtain a copy of the Baptism Certificate.

PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY

The reception of the sacraments is primarily a family andparish event. The parish determines how the preparation and celebration will take place, in accordance with the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion of Catholic children really begins at Baptism.

The parent accepts the responsibility of training his/her child in the practice of the faith.

The child is on a journey toward participation in the faith and Liturgical life of the Roman Catholic Church. The Christian community welcomes the newly baptized and supports parents in their responsibility. Parents are the first teachers of their children in the way of faith, especially through personal example.

IMMEDIATE SACRAMENT PREPARATION

Preparation is always a family choice. Catholic School Religious Education programs introduce and familiarize your child with the many teachings of our faith. Religious Education programs need to be supplemented by direct Sacramental teaching.

In order to be eligible for immediate sacramental preparation your child must be enrolled in

a CATHOLIC SCHOOL or in our RELIGIOUS EDUCATION program.

A large amount of the preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion will be done at home using materials provided by the parish. What a wonderful way for parent and child to work together towards a deeper understanding of our faith and in particular of these Sacraments.

Children who attend a Public or a Private school (non Catholic school), MUST ATTEND ADDITIONAL RELIGION CLASSES.

These additional 6 classes are ONLY offered on Saturdays on the dates below. Candidates of Public and Private school must attend ALL Classes. We prefer that parents remain and assist your child in these classes. (PLEASE DO NOT BRING SIBLINGS WHO ARE NOT REGISTERED IN THE PROGRAM TO THESE CLASSES).

Please plan vacations and your children's extra-curricular activities around around our dates and class times as we expect your child's catechism and sacrament preparation to be a priority for your family during this time.

Mondays: 4:15-5:45 PM in the church hall: Nov. 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 20 (BREAK) , Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Jan. 29

Saturdays: 9:30-11:00 AM in the church hall: Nov. 11, Nov. 18, Nov. 25 (BREAK) , Jan. 20, Jan. 27, Feb. 3

Who is eligible for First Communion?

Candidates who:

have not already received First Communion at Baptism.
have received First Reconciliation.·
regularly attend Mass with parents and can participate in the basic parts of the Mass.
understand the meaning of Eucharist.
have parents that attend all parent meetings.

FIRST COMMUNION Preparation

The decision concerning an individual child’s readiness to receive First Communion rests with the child’s parents in consultation with the parish priest and teacher(s). However, it is the duty of the parish priest to decide if the child is sufficiently prepared (Canon 914). Adequate preparation is understood to be the successful completion of the initial preparation for this sacrament provided by the parish and taught by the parents. Additional classes, where these exist, may also be given. (Norms for Sacramental Preparation, Archdiocese of Toronto, 76)

First Communion Celebration

At St. David’s Parish, First Communion is celebrated as a family event. Each child receiving communion will be assigned a designated pew and will sit with their immediate family. Family members will be invited to accompany the child to the altar when he/she receives First Communion. Family members will be invited to receive communion or a blessing.

Reverence & Comportment

St. David’s church is our sacred place of worship where we need to practice reverent and respectful attitude in our actions & in our modest attire. (When in the church, keep in mind that bare shoulders, bare backs and revealing clothing should be covered with a shawl, jacket, sweater, etc.)

FIRST COMMUNION DRESS CODE--Communion dress code should reflect proper church attire. THE WHITE GARMENT SYMBOLIZES A CONTINUATION OF THE BAPTISMAL VOWS AND CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE IN THE CHURCH.

Simplicity and modesty are always the guiding principle and proper church attire followed. Children receive Communion with nothing in their hands, NO ROSARIES, NO GLOVES, ETC.

GIRLS should wear a white dress or garment. Minimal head coverings are optional.

BOYS should wear a WHITE SHIRT and dress pants which can be of any colour. Suit and tie are optional.

What else can parents do to help?

Attend Mass weekly in church as a family and invite child to attend the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

Pray as a family at home, before meals, at bedtime, at other special times, pray the Rosary.

Have family time and make sure you turn off TV and devices, especially during meals to encourage conversation and sharing.

Read the Bible and/or Bible stories especially the New Testament stories of Jesus.

Teach them to respect our world -God’s Creation- and show respect for our environment.

Listen to religious music and learn some of the hymns together.

Search Movie channels & YouTube for children stories about the life of Jesus and watch them together.

EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR CHILD TO RECEIVE HOLY SACRAMENTS & PARENTAL COMMITMENT and CONSENT

-Commitment to St. David's Parish INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS for First Reconciliation and First Communion that we will provide.

-Ensure your child attends Weekend Mass regularly.

-Commitment to attend meetings as outlined.

-Both parents must sign consent forms for the Parish to administer sacraments. Where consent of one or both parents is not available, the parish will require legal documents verifying legal guardianship, etc.

(PLEASE NOTE: Sacraments may be postponed to a future time if Sacrament Candidates are not prepared or are unable to commit to our current Preparation Program & attend meetings as scheduled.)

BAPTISM CERTIFICATE:

To prepare to register your child for these sacraments, you will require a valid copy of your child's Catholic Baptism Certificate. This must be attached to the registration even if your child was baptized at St. David’s Parish. It is recommended that you locate this certificate and prepare it for registration. If you cannot locate it, then you will need to contact the parish of your child's baptism to request a replacement.

EMAIL ADDRESS:

Parents will need to provide us with a valid email as we communicate through emails.