Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.
What is Holy Eucharist?
The Holy Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is the core of our Catholic celebration and worship. It is a continual grace that keeps us spiritually healthy and strengthened. Catholics renew our Baptismal covenant through our participation in the Eucharist at Mass. Jesus uses this ‘supper’ to feed us physically, emotionally and spiritually with His own Body and Blood.
A way to celebrate together.
When do we celebrate Holy Eucharist?
First, Communion is typically received in the second grade after two years of preparation through the Children’s Faith Development or CCD program and after the First Reconciliation has been completed. Receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion for the first time as an adult is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA.
We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist each day at Mass.
If you are unable to attend Mass and would like to receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist, please call the Parish Office for further information.
Vision.
Why is Holy Eucharist Important?
Preparing children to participate fully in the Holy Eucharist is a privilege and a very important apostolic ministry. This parish-based Sacraments Preparation program is intended as a support for families, catechists, Catholic schools, and whole parish communities as they collaboratively lead our children to a richer understanding of sacramentality and the place of Eucharist as the very “source and summit of Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, no. 11; cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1324).
Holy Eucharist.
Thank you for taking Part of the Eucharist.
We are delighted that you have chosen to begin your child’s Christian journey here at St. Francis De Sales Parish in High River.
My name is Fr. Marius Sztuk, SDS and I am delighted to be working with YOU to coordinate the preparation for First Holy Communion. The beginning of the school year also marks the beginning of sacramental preparation. This year we invite the children to celebrate First Holy Communion in their grade two. The home and parish carry the primary responsibility for this preparation. Enrolment celebration, parent orientation meetings, and sacramental celebrations will originate from the parish. Your involvement and your participation in the parish are crucial to your child's faith development and ultimate commitment to the Catholic faith.
The school instruction regarding the meaning of the sacraments is an essential part of the program. It supports and enhances the learning and the experiences the children encounter at home and in the parish. The readiness of your child to receive this sacrament will be decided by you in consultation with Fr. Marius. Your home preparation can begin now. While you await further communication from the parish we encourage you to bring the following points to your child's awareness:
- The fact that she/he may be celebrating a sacrament.
- The name of the sacrament she/he may be preparing to celebrate.
- It is also important that as a family you consciously begin your child's preparation for the sacrament by intensifying:
- Your regular participation in Sunday Mass.
- Your daily morning and evening prayer.
- Your daily efforts to imitate the life of Jesus.
| 1 | February | 2025 | 6:00-7:00 PM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | Session #1 | Childrens & Parent | ||||||
| 22 | February | 2025 | 6:00-7:00 PM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | Session #2 | Childrens & Parent | ||||||
| 8 | March | 2025 | 6:00-7:00 PM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | Session #3 | Childrens & Parent | ||||||
| 29 | March | 2025 | 7:00-8:00 PM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | Session #4 | Childrens & Parent | ||||||
| 3 | May | 2025 | 6:00-7:00 PM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | Session #5 | Childrens & Parent | ||||||
| 17 | May | 2025 | 10:00-12:00 AM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | Session #6 | Childrens & Parent | ||||||
| TBD | May | 2025 | 9:45-NOON | St. Francis De Sales Parish | Retrat | Childrens Only | ||||||
| 4 | June | 2025 | 6:00 PM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | First Receonciliation with Mass | Childrens & Parent | ||||||
| 7 | June | 2025 | 9:45 AM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | Rehearsal | Childrens & Parent | ||||||
| 8 | June | 2025 | 3:00 PM | St. Francis De Sales Parish | I Holy Communion |
If you have any questions, please call church office: 403.652.2203 or francisdesales@shaw.ca
- Copy of Baptismal Certificate (If the child was baptized outside St.Francis De Sales Parish)
- Letter from Bishop of Calgary
- Vatican Letter - The Eucharist and Pastoral Care of Children.
- Dates
- Session 1 Parent Handout
- Session 2 Parent Handout
- Session 3 Parent Handout
- Session 4 Parent Handout
- Session 5 Parent Handout
- Session 6 Parent Handout
Schedule
Sacramental Preparation
Meet Our Sacramental Team
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Sacramental Preparation Team for embracing this crucial ministry in our parish.